Search - Nathan Rogers :: True Stories

Inspired First Effort

Daniel Keppler | Portland, OR USA | 02/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"True Stories is an inspired first effort by Nathan Rogers, the son of the late and legendary Canadian folk singer, Stan Rogers. While comparisons are inevitable given the lineage, Nathan sets out to have his own voice heard, but will not disappoint fans of the elder Rogers. Instead, Nathan proves his own uncanny ability to wrap storytelling around remarkable melodies and clever arrangements.



One of the more intriguing tracks, "Hibbing," chronicles life in a Minnesota mining town that happens to be the birthplace of the Greyhound Bus Line. "Mary's Child" tells the story of French missionaries in North America and their deleterious effect on the aboriginal population. "The Ballad of William and John Gibson" is a quirky folk tune about a mysterious storm that abducts one of twin brothers and returns him a year later unaged. "Hold the Line," reminds us of the contradictions of war from the viewpoint of a conflicted soldier in the trenches of 1914.



In a nod to his heritage, Nathan arranges and performs a unique version of "Three Fishers," which is a Stan Rogers standard written by Nathan's uncle, Garnet Rogers.



Nathan's music and his storytelling offer a range of meaning and soul searching rare in a first album by a new artist. True Stories leaves us wanting to hear more from this young Canadian -- something that his father Stan can never give us.



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