Another helping of magical-realist acousticore from one of America's more reclusive singer-songwriters

11 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Modern Folk, ROCK: Acoustic



Details:
Name: T. Hallenbeck
Raison d'etre: solo acoustic
Main instruments: guitar, voice
Other: cello, mountain dulcimer, mandolin, mandola
Previous bands: Harm Farm (gtr/voc), Crank (bass/voc)
Current ensemble project: Thread (www.threadsounds.com)
Born/raised: American Midwest
Current residence: California Coast

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Some reviews of "Doubting Thomas"
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*** Smother (http://www.smother.net) ***
(US)

T. Hallenbeck builds on his previous release Secret Society sporting his incredible talent for writing tunes and lyrics that will have you literally begging for more. How do I know that? Because I am! For all of you struggling musicians that get frustrated when writing music, understand that this guy has been hoarding all the talent and muses. How else can you explain witty lyrics and masterful skills at singing, guitar, mandolin, cello, dulcimer, bass, mandola, keyboards, tenor recorder, and viola (whew!)? The production quality is a tremendous step up from the aforementioned previous work and in my mind I'm not sure if it's possible to assemble a better set of folk-based songs. So next time do you think he could just give off some of his magic to the rest of us normal folks?


*** The Here and There (http://thehereandthere.net) ***
(US)

T. Hallenbeck must listen to Cat Stevens a lot. This album is one that Cat would have been proud to have made. Hallenbeck's folk-rock is rich with music while a bit lean lyric wise. But this actually works as most folk singers are too full of themselves and cram every song with 20-30 verses. I like the upbeat tempo and sense of humor that is evident here. Hallenbeck has a real special nack of making everyday troubles seem not so hopeless like on "The Landlord Song" and "Inbetween Times". This album is for anyone who loves clever tunes and needs a bright ray of sunshine in their lives. Well recommended.


*** Zeitgeist (http://the-rocker.freeservers.com) ***
(UK)

A most welcome follow up to the much loved (round our way) Secret Society CD from a couple of years back. This takes our previously stated view that "Combining a striking spiritual lyricalism, an almost child like dream quality, and a marvellous way round guitar, cello, mandolin and mandola" and adds in a Jethro Tull / Angelo Branduardi twisted folk slant, that is constantly engrossing.

This is what music should be like. Asking questions, probing emotions, seeking truth. "Good music for bad times" - nuff said.