Nelson Graham | Graham & Company

The Capital Times, Wisconsin State Journal
THE RHYTHM SECTION
Thursday, August 22, 2002 (www.madison.com)

CD REVIEW BY NATASHA KASSULKE:
"The Ocean Inside," Nelson Graham.
"Graham and Company's new CD, "The Ocean Inside," is the latest release from singer/songwriter/guitarist Nelson Graham.

"The CD combines acoustic grass-roots music, into a mix of country, folk, Latin and jazz. Graham is joined on the CD by a wide range of friends, but it's his baritone that anchors the 16-song collection.

"The songs range from fun to serious and beautiful to inspirational. Graham composed the words and music for almost all of the songs. The CD includes a remake of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now."

"Adding Latin tones is new for Graham but not surprising. His work in agriculture has taken him to Cuba several times. "Santa Lucia" is warm and tropical. He sings "Page 88/Pagina 88"in Spanish and "Si te conozco" also in Spanish, as a tribute to his Cuban friends.

"The CD opens with the bouncy, folksy and upbeat "Love My Joe," a tribute to a big cup of coffee. Equally sweet is "Dream Girl."

"Freedom is Easy" takes a much more serious folk tone, as does "Children, PUt Down your Guns," which was written after one more school shooting. The more country oriented "Robin Fly" is a personal favorite. Bongos add a nice touch.

"The CD was recorded at Randy's Recording in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin.............."