Strands of melody that make a beautiful tapestry
author: Rebsie Fairholm
A whole album of acoustic guitar instrumentals? Not everyone could carry that off, but the diversity and depth of feeling here keeps it fresh and listenable all the way through. The warm, rich, decisive tones of the guitar are there throughout but every track is unique, layered with different musical textures and interwoven strands of melody. The album as a whole is luxurious, captivating and timeless.
It's true that the tunes have an emphasis on melody but Scott is also a master of rhythm, even (or especially) where the beat is implied rather than played out loud.
Every track on the album is good, from the dark and rhythmic 'Travelin' Band of Gypsy Nomads', sweet beauty of 'Spanish Castles Made of Magic Sand' to the reassuring tones of 'The People You Miss Are Ok', a gentle and spiritually nourishing piece which also features some gorgeous violin playing.
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Wonderful melodies to drift off to....
author: Amy Sanborn
I only have a sampler of this CD that I got at Pagan Pride in DE, but I keep it on repeat most times and just close my eyes. I love his melodies, and watching him play this music, you can tell he's totally into every note that comes out of his guitar. My personal faves are "Fire, Bow and Brimstone" and "Heavy Feathers". His explanation of the latter song was of visualizing an angel with such heavy feathers that it was difficult to fly, although still a beautiful sight. I'm getting the full version as soon as I can!
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Helland displays wit, taste, vision, and craftsmanship in memorable melodies...
author: Dane McCauley, Chronogram Magazine
Scott Helland's Brocade is a triumph of the artist's "keep it simple and honest" punk-rock roots invigorated by a decidedly non-punk array of musical styles. Helland is in command of not only his primary instrument, the acoustic guitar, but also electric guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion, as he gives his inspired take on American folk rock, medieval, Goth, and pop. Perhaps this recording's finest achievement as an all-instrumental CD of three- to four-minute pieces is that it's both accessible upon first listen and yet continues to speak musical depth and thoughtfulness through repeated plays. From the gently chiming harmonics of the acoustic rock "A Free Ride to the Sun" right through to the guest violin's caress on the unsentimentally elegiac "The People You Miss Are OK," Helland displays wit, taste, vision, and craftsmanship in memorable melodies and colorfully constructed arrangements.
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