B.D. Gottfried: The Warden's Picnic

B.D. Gottfried hails from Ontario, Canada and has released his fifth album The Warden's Picnic. This is another artist that has escaped me as this is my first foray into the band's music.

In the band are Bill Gottfried (vocals, keyboards, percussion), Aaron Gottfried (vocals), George Chaggares (guitar), Jack Smith (bass) and Andrea Wingelaar (backing vocals on tracks 4 and 6).

This is an interesting CD and although not a progressive one per se it should generate some interest in progressive rock circles. The band plays a type of alternative pop/rock with progressive, folk and bluesy elements. The album is difficult to categorize as the band do not easily conform to any one label and have made a refreshing and decidedly un-commercial album of high quality.

This is a talented band and all the musicians do a good job. The guitar work of Chaggares is a highlight throughout. His playing is more on the atmospheric side going for subtle nuance rather than speedy riffs. Complimenting Chaggares's guitar are Bill's moody keyboard textures forming a sinuous web throughout these compositions. The vocals are another interesting facet of the band's sound but may not be for everyone as Bill has a slightly nasal delivery but it fits the style of music exceptionally well.

The title track is the album's opening song and a good one it is. Bluesy guitar lines coincide with the song's southern feel and Bill's folk-like vocals . Although not a commercial song by any means I think this would make a great single. After the midway point the album gets a little more progressive. "Taken It Back" has a nice progressive pop groove with an emphasis on Bill's introspective keyboards. "Sideways" features a haunting piano line and a fine vocal arrangement with some Floyd-like guitar added to the mix.

The album's most progressive moment is the instrumental "Plasma" featuring interesting keyboard sounds and quirky lead guitar. The album closes with the mood laden atmospheres of "Waiting For Crazy", another contemplative piece with fine guitar and keys.

The Warden's Picnic was another pleasant surprise showing there is some excellent music coming out of the great white north. Hopefully the band will get their due recognition.

Track Listing:
1. The Warden's Picnic
2. Future For Sale
3. New Fifty Two
4. Madeleine
5. Contrafiction
6. Taken It Back
7. Sideways
8. A Beautiful Life
9. Plasma
10. Waiting For Crazy

Added: September 29th 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 3520
Language: english

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