Album Notes

Herald-Times 1/24/03
Bloomington, Indiana

Alt-country duo Betty Dylan discovers joys of Bloomington
By David Coonce

When people think "heartland," they often think "Bloomington." I suppose it's as much due to geography as anything else, but I would like to think that Bloomington, in particular, is like a little microcosm of all the things that make America what it is. There is a thriving arts culture, a solid music scene, successful locally owned businesses, a downtown you can walk around in, a fascinating array of people from all walks of life, a multitude of political opinions and a genuinely small-town kindness and closeness.

The Los Angeles-based alt-country duo Betty Dylan has recently relocated to Bloomington, in part to be surrounded by all of the things I just mentioned. As guitarist Dan Dubleman says in the band's press release, Bloomington "has great musicians, appreciative audiences and the space and time away from big cities to develop a heartland perspective." It is always gratifying to be recognized for the unique assets this community has always had. E^

Betty Dylan plays a blend of blues, country and rock with a melodic, hard edge. The duo, which includes Dan's wife Vickie on vocals, has criss-crossed the country several times over the last couple years, playing venues great and small. The two have released three very solid records, Flame being the newest, and are currently working on their fourth, Heartland, here in Bloomington at Farm Fresh Studios. Some of the musicians on the record include drummer-to-the-stars Kenny Aronoff, Mysteries of Life leader Jake Smith on bass and Salaam violinist Megan Weeder. The songs on Heartland are much more rooted in classic country-blues than Betty Dylan's previous work. Where the group's previous records we're all over the map stylistically, this one is more focused, allowing the duo's true talents to emerge from the shadows. Vickie's vocals are a wonder, equal part polish and snarl, the soul of a blues woman with the passion of a poet. Dan's tuneful, solid guitar riffage and clever progressions are top-notch, and the musicians behind them provide the perfect anchor for Betty Dylan's compositions. The group plays its Bloomington coming-out party Tuesday night at The Bluebird. The band from the recordings will back them up, including Aronoff.