American alternative with amazing variety: strong melodies, intelligent lyrics, harmonies, and great musicianship.

12 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Americana, FOLK: Power-folk



Details:
"I never met a dishonest dog, makes me wish we all had tails." B.A.

And so it is with this music. It's straightforward, honest,refreshing, but certainly not shallow. This collection by veteran songwriter, Bill Akin, busts out with one penetrating tune after another. Drawing on roots as diverse as delta blues, Latin rhythums, and dead center rock 'n roll, artists like John Hiatt, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, even the Stones, this CD is impossible to pigeon hole, but a blast to listen to.

It's easy to get lost in the music (and the outstanding production), but a big part of Foolish Or Wise is the lyrics. Stop. Listen. Everything from frustration (Broken Bridges, Barricades, And The Wall) to alienation (One More Step Away), the temporal nature of life (The Dark Night's Waitin') to pure fun (When You Climb A Mountain/New Road Home) it's all here, and more. Just don't come looking for love songs.

Collaborating with guitarist/producer Bob Stander, Akin has managed to marry concept and sound to fit each song. "It Ain't The River" is a good old southern rock tune. Nothing more, nothing less. "The Dark Night's Waitin'" is a monumental death march that still manages to deliver a message of hope. And "Sleeping Dogs", a solo acoustic piece dedicted to the memory of legendary American guitarist, John Fahey, demonstrates the depth and class of this CD.

Beyond the music world, Bill Akin devotes a huge amount of time to environmental causes from ocean fisheries to his local area where he has headed up the Concerned Citizens of Montauk for the past six years. His concern for people and the planet shines through in his music.

Produced by Bob Stander
Recorded and mixed at Applewild Fram, Bridgehampton, NY.
Mastered at DB Plus Digital Services, New York N.Y.