IN
THE PRAIRIELAND by Patrick Hazell, Blue Rhythm Recordings
BRR24CD
IN
THE PRAIRIELAND by Patrick Hazell, Blue Rhythm Recordings
Now the going gets tough. Not only is this CD not Blues, but
it is hard to describe. It is personal. It is roots. It is Iowa.
It is a recording probably destined to have a limited following.
At the same time it is a work as likely to be found in a museum
gift shop, library shelf, or book store as at a music store. The
disc is a musical journey beginning with "Prairieland Nightengale"
and "They Came From A Settled Land" then "Leaving
For The Prairie" "Slowly They Came Walking" "Goin'
Out West" with songs along the way "On The Wind"
and "The Sky". Listen to "The Coyotes Call"
on "This Land" our "Home On The Range." Titles
that only hint at the somewhat hypnotic sound of the music.
This Prairieland that Patrick takes you to is a place of the mind
where you grow and move and change and continue on the journey.
It is evocative, deep, flowing and always moving forward. This
is not music to listen to all the time. But it is music you should
take time to listen to.
---MIKE RICHARDSON, BLUES NEWS, MISSISSIPPI VALLEY BLUES
SOCIETY, DAVENPORT, IOWA, NOV.1998
Patrick Hazell is especially proud of his CD, IN THE PRAIRIELAND, which includes an eight minute harmonica instrumental in the first cut. All selections, with the exception of "Home On The Range"--like you've never heard it before--are written and performed by Hazell on the harmonica, piano, sleigh and cow bells, rattles, kettle, drum, darbakka, snare and conga drums, and a Zube Tube. This is a real different side of Hazell in what might loosely be called NEW Age Blues with a western influence.
---TONI RADLER, EASY REEDING MAGAZINE, HOHNER HARMONICA
COMPANY, SPRING 1998
PATRICK HAZELL-- IN THE PRAIRIELAND
BY LARRY BELANGER, ALL MUSIC GUIDE , AUGUST 8 - 2001
Copyright © 1999-2001 Downeast Reviews
®
Belanger Crowley & Small Publishers
Patrick Hazell has taken the Prairieland as his subject of
focus for this album. All of the lyrics from the album are well
focused on the subject, never straying far off course. The music
which colors the intriguing lyrics ranges from Blues to American
Folk, with a New Age / World feel in the depth and breadth of
the melodies. Patrick Hazell reaches into a huge bag of captivating
keyboard and harmonica phrases to piece together some charismatic
melodies.
His lyrical style works well with his Cowboy-esque vocals. It's
as though Hazell has climbed onto a horse and is playing the part
of the singing Prairie Cowboy. Instead of the usual guitar Hazell
has inserted keyboard and outstanding harmonica riffs to complete
the aural portrait.
Patrick Hazell performed and recorded all of the instruments and
vocals on the album between 1992 and 1996. Some of the instruments
used were a 1916 Hazelton Brothers Grand piano, a Yamaha DX-7
II FD keyboard, Hohner harmonicas, a Zube Tube, rattles, kettle
drum, darbakka, snare and conga drums as well as sleigh and cow
bells.
One of the key highlights from the album is, "Home On The
Range", which was penned by Dr. Brewster Higley in his one
room cabin in the Prairieland. Hazell's interpretation takes this
melodic classic to an all new level by instrumentally expanding
on the original expertly. He also adds an intensity to the lyrical
content with a powerful vocal presence. At a bit less than ten
minutes this song makes the acquisition of the album a guaranteed
pleasure.
Our grading system- * Excellent- ! ! ! ! ! * Good- ! ! ! ! * Average- ! ! ! * Poor- ! * Nix- !
Track 1- Prairieland Nightingale
This tune has a New Age feel with a Blues element via the magnetic harmonica. Featuring an extended presentation filled with melodic nuances this tune displays the creative songwriting genius which Patrick Hazell portrays on this instrumental. ( ! ! ! ! )
Track 2- They Came From A Settled Land
This tune takes a different route in song structure, with a unique vocal style which has a Country Folk character. With a New Age keyboard textured sound blended with bells and chimes the melodic journey is an intriguing adventure. The spoken lyrical content has a unique ballad quality, while the portions which are sung cling to the melody note for note with a harmonic effect. ( ! ! ! ! )
Track 3- Leaving For The Prairie
This tune kicks off with some super charged harmonica chops which have a Blues feel with an improvisational Jazz quality. The soft keyboard accents with the chimes and bells lend a unique foundation for the harmonica to build from. The lyrics create an interesting portrait which works well with the melodic flow. ( ! ! ! ! )
Track 4- Slowly They Came Walking
With multiple percussion instruments used to layer the sound of this tune which has a Native American quality, Patrick Hazell has the effective ingredients to produce a captivating piece. His laid back vocal style is also an interesting element which is accented superbly by the piano and keyboard nuances. At just under eleven minutes the piece tends to drag and be repetitious at times. ( ! ! ! ! )
Track 5- On The Wind
For this song Hazell brings out his harmonica to lend a haunting feel to the melody. Using his harmonica in much the same way as Kenny G uses his sax, Hazell hypnotizes and charms the listener deep into his musical den of enchantment. ( ! ! ! ! )
Track 6- Goin' Out West
With a more conventional structure to this song, the end result is a piece that's easier to follow. The infectious groove of the melody makes this a piece which sticks like honey on the brain, sweet and contagious. The lyrics are catchy and have an uplifting quality perfectly suited for Hazell's vocal style. At four and a half minutes the song is also in a realm of time which maintains the listener's attention span adequately. ( ! ! ! ! ½ )
Track 7- The Sky / Kansas
The sound reverts back to the layered percussion sound for another tune in a Native American vein. It would be a welcome addition if Patrick Hazell would include the lyrics with the album, because his lyrics are very poetic and deep in nature. The music comes off as only a complemetary element for the poetic recital, as the lyrics are spoken word rather than sung. ( ! ! ! ! )
Track 8- The Coyotes Call
On this tune one gets to put their finger on the vocal style which Hazell has, it is in a Hoyt Axton vein. Having a bass range with great depth and presence balanced with melodic highs when needed one is charmed by the Americana quality. The instrumental accents are perfectly suited to complement the lyrical context. ( ! ! ! ! )
Track 9- This Land
This tune has a strong soundtrack quality with many noise effects used to enhance the emotional effectiveness in the piece. Hazell's spoken word style for this piece is bewitching and compliments the haunting overall feel in the melody. Once again the poetic lyrics are the depth in the structure and the charismatic element. ( ! ! ! ! )
Track 10- Home On The Range
As with most artists, Patrick Hazell has saved the best for last. His interpretation of Dr. Brewster Higley's classic tune is nothing short of musical genius. The melody is enhanced by multiple layered piano and keyboard nuances while maintaining the quality of the original composition. Hazell's true Americana vocal style also lends to the powerful character in the overall presentation. He brings a classic tune back to life with a vitality and beauty which all can enjoy once more. ( ! ! ! ! ! )