Soulful Americana delivered with passion and grit, with an emphasis on the art of the song.

10 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Americana, COUNTRY: Modern Country



Details:
Folks who have already had the great pleasure of hearing Derek Lee Bronston perform, are well aware of the tremendous talent the guitarist/singer/songwriter possesses. Adam Levy (Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman) recently said, âDerek Lee Bronston writes canny songs that cut to the heart of the matter, and delivers his lyrics with nuanced grit.â Audiences will soon have that opportunity as Bronston readies for his debut on Paved Earth Music, scheduled for release in early 2007.

Empty River features nine original tracks written and arranged by Bronston, who partnered with Producer Dennis Martin (Mark Anthony Jones, Melody) to create a strikingly soulful sound. Townes Van Zandtâs No Place To Fall, the only cover on the record, was recorded live with one microphone in a hallway and captures Bronstonâs open-hearted solo vibe. His songs are accessible, introspective and deliver impassioned vocals with authenticity and beauty.

There's no denying that Bronston's alt/country musical style pays tribute to such luminaries as Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Gram Parsons. What's remarkable is that the same authentic quality inherent to the Americana legends, can exist in music that is being written, performed and recorded today. Bronston's infectious, raspy voice is capable of conveying a wide range of emotions. Through his guitar performances, and clever songwriting, Bronston proves to be a man of enormous talent who has learned from his influences rather than simply imitating them.

The Detroit native picked up his first guitar at age 11 and it wasnât long after that he was playing in rock bands throughout high school and college. It was upon being exposed to John Coltraneâs First Meditation that his fate was sealed to pursue music in earnest. Derekâs early exploration of politics left him with the conviction that âif there is any hope for the world it is through shared experience not polemicâ. For Bronston that common denominator was to be found in music.

The next stop on Bronstonâs musical journey was New York City, where Derek Lee became thoroughly immersed in his craft. Within 2 years he was working regularly as a sideman in the storied downtown jazz scene, where he performed and recorded with such icons as Tom Harrell and Cecil Taylor. Since that time he has played with rockers, The Hush, and punk band, The Great Shakes, who were hailed by the Village Voice as âthe latest, greatest thing to shimmy up from the depths of the 'new' New York scene."

Derek Lee Bronston has come full-circle with Empty River, and is harkening back to his songwriting roots. Accompanied by Gintas Janusonis (Angelique Kidjo), Brad Craig (of Chuck Dâs band), Dennis Martin, Dave Phelps (Henry Butler, Peter Appelbaum) and Melissa Greener singing back up vocals, Bronston delivers an honest collection of songs that express his unique personal viewpoint and singular musical gift.