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Reviews
What people are saying and
writing about Jim's work.
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May
2004 -
Jim Gallant
River Watch
Outer Green Records
by
Ron Hart
 The
art of folk guitar is amongst the
most beautiful and challenging styles in
modern music and New Gloucester's Jim Gallant
ranks among some of the finest tunesmith's
in the Northeast. His unique, eloquent blending
of New Age, classical, Celtic and Kottke-esque
fingerpicking has earned him stage time alongside
such greats as Taj Mahal, Doc Watson and
The New Grass Revival in addition to the
inclusion of his music on a Christmas album
for LL Bean. His latest LP, River Watch,
is a lovely continuation of Gallant's proficiency
in his art. In addition to several of his
own lush, airy compositions, this third album
also features a string of exceptionally well-executed
covers, which stand tall as some of the strongest
material included here. His reinterpretation
of 17th Century blind Irish folk harpist
Turlough O'Carolan's "O'Carolan's Drought/Planxty
Irwin" is nothing short of stunning,
while his "Americana Medley", which
includes such old times anthems as "Davey
Crockett", "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "Ste
Anne's Reel", "Take Me Out To The
Ballgame", "Grandfather's Clock",
and "Good Night", should be required
listening for any patriot getting dumb on
Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood. But the gem
of River Watch is Gallant's version
of Leo Kottke's "Jack Fig/Cripple Creek",
which bring the guitar legend's time-honored
acoustic piece to a whole new plateau. Anyone
who appreciates great instrumental folk music
should definitely search for a copy of this
fine collection. For more information, please
check out Gallant's website at www.jimgallant.com.
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River
Watch CD Gets Good Review
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April
2004 -
Jim Gallant
River Watch
Outer Green Records
by
Kris Gamjost
Jim Gallant is a very fine acoustic guitarist
and his new album, "River Watch," is well worth a listen for instrumental
guitar.
Gallant has a lively finger-picking style that creates
bright undertones and reverberations. He often reminds me of John Fahey. He has
his Leo Kottke moments as well, most obviously when he does "Jack Fig/Cripple
Creek" from Kottke's repertoire. It is a great challenge to take on such
a recognizable sound as Kottke's, but he acquits himself well without trying
to be as fast as the lightning Kottke.
One of the sweetest songs on the album is the delightfully
understated "The Odd Waltz." This Gallant original shows how wonderful
instrumental guitar can be when it isn't about speed or complexity. The song
dances from quiet to strong and back again. The melody is simple and clear and
enjoyable.
"Mobile Obile" gives a nice bluesy punch to
a rolling accoustic Kottke-esque song. There are some great touch notes here
and a great energy. Anyone with a love of folk music will get wrapped up in Gallant's "Americana
Medley." Snippets of "Davy Crockett," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Ste
Anne's Reel," "Take Me Out To The Ball Game," "Grandfather's
Clock" and "Good Night Irene" all get spung together with a strong
driving beat and an overall tonal glow that is just delightful.
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