Album Notes

With roots sunk deep in the same storytelling tradition of Texas singer/songwriters like Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt, Donal Hinely speaks in a voice that is both intimate and authentic. Spinning tales of hard luck, love, missed opportunity and die-hard hope, Hinely writes songs that skirt the outer fringes of country, folk, and straight ahead rock. Dave Higgs, host of NPR's syndicated Bluegrass Breakdown, put it simply: "this is really good stuff--sharp, insightful writing married to memorable tunes."

His breakthrough CD, We Built a Fire (2003, Scuffletown Records) establishes Hinely as one of the premier Americana artists today. Co-produced by David Henry (Cowboy Junkies, Josh Rouse), We Built a Fire features appearances by Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Kim Richey, guitarist Will Kimbrough (Todd Snider, Rodney Crowell), and members of Wilco, the Edwin McCain Band, and Hayseed Dixie.

Some recent praise for We Built A Fire:

"sharply written Americana rooted in the tradition of brilliant blue collar observers like Springsteen and Earle."
-Choice Cuts

"one of the best singer/songwriter albums of the year...5 stars"
-Roots Revival

"just brilliant...has the rare ability to completely engross the listener and transport him or her to another place and time"
-Dave Higgs, Nashville Public Radio

"this record should bring many new fans into the fold"
-Paste

"a considerable new talent"
-Folk World

"5 stars...extraordinary"
-Twang Tone Magazine

"quality songwriting...simply great"
-Pop Matters Magazine

"a genuine master...it's time for Donal Hinely to break out of the pack"
-Dagger Magazine

"a cocktail of humor and heartbreak"
-Americana UK

"what really impresses is Hinely's songwriting"
-Country Music People (UK)

"a fine eye for the truths of the ordinary and the shadowy sides of life"
-Roots66 Magazine

"much better than anything to come from mainstream Nashville since the Garth Brooks,anti-Hank crowd took over."
-Indie Music

"a breath of fresh air for folks looking for the art form to expand...literate countrified poetics along the lines of Robert Earl Keen, Jr."
-Joe Sixpack's Country Music Guide