As hard as rocks, as soft as river stone, Gus Brett has done it; created his masterpiece! Over 4 years in the making, literally, poetically and musically, "The Orphan of Love" is the story of a journey… his journey. I have watched, listened to, and critiqued some of this work from the inception, hearing for the first time some of the material as the best part of his live performances. It has been a labor of love for him to methodically, and finally, complete the project. Each song is layered and textured into what I will call its "100% Gusmo Standard of Perfection." Each megabyte of this is filled with the nuance of pure tones and overtones, of voice, and voices, heavenly backing vocals, crisp acoustic guitar work, lush reverb on electric leads, wonderful violin and cello, synthesized keyboards, soulful harmonica, and complementary bass guitar and percussion. And when needed, sounds of desert storms, or the breath of the air within the studio, fingers on frets, skin on wood instruments have been left in or added to the final mix to convey its own spiritual message. Quixotic theatrics admixed with eclectic use of 'noise' and sampling of the commonalities of daily life (answering machine messages) are tossed into the agenda, and it all works. Gus' voice and depth of character cut thru the mix, at once raw and startling, or completely calm and soothing. The words that form the messages poetically challenge or enrich one's spirit, even while entertaining. It goes thru the gamut of human emotions, good/evil, love/hate light/darkness etc. This album can not help but illuminate an understanding of the message from the part of him that is at the ‘center of the universe.’ To the extent that art transforms... is sent out from its transmitter to its receiver and influences feelings or thoughts, this is a mature piece of artwork and the generative transference evident in this work is absolutely obvious. Gus Brett is ‘The Poet Laureate’ of his own consciousness. This is the third of his formal albums, and each is better than the one that came before. The artist has matured well. This album is a great artistic success story. The recording, engineering, and mixing are wonderfully complex, and impeccably complete. The mastering, and professional end production are as perfect as the art represented. The gorgeous visuals, graphics, words/messages, photographs, and layout synergistically envelop the album. It all works! I have tested this collection, multiple times in entirety or upon repeated listening to selective tracks, while driving thru the 110 degree desert heat, in my truck, in traffic-full streets, or on longer desert/mountain roads or quietly at home with headphones on late at night. As a melancholy minimalist, I am drawn more to certain songs than others. "Closeness" perhaps may be the best postmodern/ love/ existential/ folk song ever written in Arizona, "Words of Eternity," and "Trust is Coming Home," the titles of which may reflect the completion of ‘the journey,’ are my personal favorites. Gusmo, you did it Five Stars 'brother'... good work! Kenn Harris The Clarence & Blue Recording Company, Arizona, U.S.A. 28June2006