Song Review:
Write Myself A Letter
Overall Impression:
I have had the good fortune of reviewing a previous tune by Nolan Bruce Allen, so I had a good idea of the type of listening experience I was in for when coming into "Write Myself A Letter", outstanding performances, brilliant songwriting, and a superb sense of rhythm and melody all nicely packaged in a solid production, and it's safe to say, this is exactly what I got. "Write Myself A Letter" is another exceptional western swing piece that despite its short runtime, manages to accomplish what many songs twice its length could only dream of. Marvelously performed, deftly produced, and superbly arranged, this was a pleasure to listen to.
Strongest Point(s):
As to be expected with a Nolan Bruce Allen tune, the performances are sublime, bringing the songs many inspired ideas to life with great attention to detail and subtle nuance. As always it's clearly evident that these are players with years of experience under the belt, both in songwriting and performing, and it shows. The instrumentation is wonderfully varied and provides plenty of tonal and dynamic variety, ensuring each instrument and its unique timbral characteristics help give the tune not only personality but a rich-sounding texture also. The smooth quality provided by the lap steel, the delicate touch of the piano, the warm tone of the electric guitar, and the expressive nature of the fiddle combine to make for one fascinating listening experience. A track can have many attributes, however, it's so easy for a song's impact, as well as an artist's vision, to be lessened by a sub-par recording, and again, It's safe to say this is certainly not the case here. This is a stunning recording, offering plenty of clarity and just the right amount of polish whilst still managing to retain the personality of the track, instruments are placed perfectly across the stereo field and have been captured in a way that ensures every minute detail of the performances are retained. Nolan Bruce Allen has hit the ball way out of the park again with "Write Myself A Letter", and I hope to come across future recordings, excellent!
Target Audience Appeal:
This will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Western Swing and there is certainly a lot for fans of the style to love with this particular track.
Artist target suggestions:
Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Dean Martin, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Garth Brooks, Hank Thomspon, Hot Club Of Cowtown, Hank Penny, George Strait, Vince Gill, Red Foley, Sons of the West, Craig Duncan, Spade Cooley, Johnny Bond, Milton Brown, Papa Cairo and his Boys, Spade Cooley & The Western Swing Dance Gang
About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.
Vocals: Strength
Lyrics: Strength
Instrumental Performance/Execution: Strength
Melody/Rhythm: Strength
Arrangement/Flow: Strength
Recording Quality/Overall Mix: Strength