Silent Planet had the best venue going at Cornerstone 2000 with its "Acoustic Stage," concluding with a showcase of their terrific stable of artists on the fest's final day. The sets turned in by Jan Krist, Phil Madiera, and Terry Taylor were among the highlights of the festival for this reviewer.
Taylor was inked too recently to have made this label sampler, but it still accomplishes its task well, whetting one's appetite for more of the 13 artists represented. Acoustic singer-songwriters are the order of the day here, but varying from this are Krist's "God Have Mercy," colored with warmly distorted electric guitar and an accordion break, Madeira's jaunty fiddle and B-3-driven "Mysterious Ways," Skatman Meredith channeling Matthew Sweet on "Euphoria," John Fischer's folk-rocking "Some Folks' World," and a tasty piano/hammered dulcimer instrumental from Jerry & Lisa Smith.
The latest recordings by noted folkies Pierce Pettis and Brooks Williams are being distributed by Silent Planet and fine tracks from each appear here. A compilation of songs from Williams' out-of-print indie and Green Linnet albums is out now on the label, as well.
Among the others, Steve Black, whose warm, rich voice recalls Gordon Lightfoot, stands out, as does Claire Holley's Appalachian folk gospel tune, which is reminiscent of Gillian Welch. Allen Levi checks in with an upbeat Jim Croce-like tune and Matt Jones brings a brooding track that sounds like Toad the Wet Sprocket re-formed and added a slide guitarist and nimble mandolin player. Matt Auten sounds like a far less dynamic version of Brooks Williams or James Taylor. Rick Unruh turns in a nice song, but his voice isn't terribly distinctive. In addition, there are unreleased tracks from Krist, Black, Auten, and Meredith.
This label is definitely worth keeping an eye on. The new records by Krist, Black, and Madeira have found their way to this reviewer's "short list" of future purchases.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Chris ParksSilent Planet Records has, over the past few years, signed a group of artists that reads like a Who's Who in Christian folk-rock music, including John Fischer, Jan Krist, Pierce Pettis and Brooks Williams. The label has added additional starpower by signing Terry Taylor to distribute his latest, acoustic, album, Avocado Faultline. Aliens and Strangers, Silent Planet's 1999 sampler, includes songs…
