Album Notes

Partly Brothers are Luti Erbežnik and Brian R. Wood, seasoned singer-songwriters whose music will relax and inspire you. Their first CD together, From the Start, features songs of love, life’s changes, and dreams, fulfilled or not.

Luti Erbežnik (lew’-tee air-beige’-nick) comes from the former Yugoslavia where in his 20s he led a local rock band. Luti came to the U.S. in the late 1980s as a Fulbright Scholar in molecular biology, and continued to sing and play his music. In the 1990s, Yugoslavia was torn apart by civil war, leaving a deep imprint on Luti and his music. A few years ago, Luti’s life took yet another turn: he found a better job and began to perform again, solo and with his son Jasen at venues in southeastern Michigan.

In early 2007, Luti was fortunate to meet Brian Wood at a local music jam. Brian, a Michigan native, has been a musician for as long as he can remember and has played with several bands, most often with his group The Troubadads who recently celebrated their 25th anniversary. Brian is a prolific songwriter whose songs are performed by artists across Michigan. One of his most popular tunes is “Whatcha Gonna Do,” regularly aired on WCSX 94.7 FM OverEasy with Pam Rossi. Nine different Detroit and area radio stations have featured Brian’s original songs: from WKNR in the early 70s to WCSX in the 21st century, Brian’s music has consistently entertained Michigan folk fans.

Although they come from different backgrounds, Luti and Brian share much in common, hence the duo’s name, Partly Brothers. Luti’s roots lie in classical music, Yugoslav folk, and rock, while Brian has been influenced by British and American pop, folk, and country music. Luti\'s voice has been compared to that of Nick Drake and Brian\'s to Donovan.

Partly Brothers lyrics are at turns light-hearted, nostalgic, stirring, and thought-provoking. They tell stories of experiences we’ve all had--the warmth of home, the exhilaration of love, loss of love, and hope. On themes ranging from old-fashioned rendezvous to Internet dating, pets’ antics to ethnic pride, the songs of Partly Brothers have been described as “upbeat and sophisticated,\" and \"rich and hypnotic.\" Notable Michigan musician Dan Hazlett says: “There\'s nothing incomplete about the music of Partly Brothers. The duo combines the soulful songwriting of Brian Wood and Luti Erbežnik with sparkling acoustic guitar work. Brian Wood\'s songs are as warm and comforting as a favorite sweater yet speak directly to the heart in a voice that has fully weathered many storms. Add to this the original and yet familiar blend of their two voices and the sweet acoustic stylings of Brian and Luti\'s guitar work and you have a truly heartfelt musical experience. The only thing better than hearing a Partly Brothers recording is seeing them in person.”