Etienne de Rocher

I can't really say this was a surprise in that I had already heard this artist's splendid XM Radio live performance in '08. I immediately set out to purchase this. This is one of the few debut CDs I own that does not sound overproduced or overworked. It doesn't set out to be perfect, so much as it succeeds in being just that. I've heard his style described as deeply rooted in 70s singer songwriter territory, but I don't completely see it. It's a little more ambitious than that, personal in its way, but not anguished. These songs seem to flow from their creator, and create a listenable, yet rich and complex musical landscape. It doesn't really beg to be categorized. I sense that De Rocher takes his musicality seriously, but perhaps doesn't take himself so much that way.

I just purchased this cd in Louisville KY, after hearing "Juniper Rose" on our local NPR music station WFPK 91.9 There is not a bad track on the whole cd. Etienne is a master at moving effortlessly through musical genres. I look forward to his next offering. Buy this CD!

I am not much for Folk type music but this stands far above what can be called folk. Ettienne has made a wonderful collection of songs that take you over rather quickly with its honesty and simple style and harmonies laced with some great percussion riffs and keyboard additions that make this truly very different. I bought the album after hearing "Juniper Rose" but quickly fell in love with the rest of the album. This sticks to you like crazy glue. There are copies for 1 penny available used and new so it well worth the shipping charge. Money well spent I guarantee !

album of the year

I love this album. It's serene, beautiful, and deep. De Rocher has a lovely, light, sweet voice, and excellent guitar technique. Great songs, too-- especially love "Six Feet", about the body and the spirit. Wish he'd make another one!

Excellent songwriting and delivery. Etienne absorbs multiple genres seamlessly to interpret each individual composition, yet this is an album rather than a collection of songs. My personal favorite is "Goodnight": it's one of those songs that just captures a time and place perfectly. Finally, Etienne does not come across as the tortured artist, squeezing out agonizing notes from despair, but as someone who is completely comfortable in his own skin and presents music that tends to make the listener feel relaxed and reassured, grateful for companionship and good music, happy to be alive.

'Juniper Rose' is a work of art - heard it for the first time on my local radio station (KFOG), and bought this album immediately thereafter. One great song after another; just listen! What more can I say?