Derek Lee Bronston's soulful brand of country infused Americana finds its way into your heart and soul via strong melodies, swinging groove and bluesy nuance. While his discography ranges from punk rock to jazz his debut "Empty River", released Jan.17.2007 by Paved Earth Music brings out Derek Lee's true nature and a return to his roots. Mare Warefield (Performing Songwriter) says "[Derek Lee] Bronston growls and moans like a male Lucinda Williams" in the May/June 2007 issue where "Empty River" was also chosen as one of the top 12 DIY recordings.
Empty River has also been embraced by Americana, Country and Roots radio charting for over 12 weeks on the Americana Music Association’s radio chart, debuting at 21 and climbing to 17 on the Roots Music Report as well as being featured on Knoxville's WIVX one of
America's premier commercial Country Music
stations and receiving airplay imternationally
in: France, Scotland, Belgium, Holland, Italy,
Spain, Australia, Germany and Englands.
After migrating from the Midwest to New York City in the 90's Derek Lee toured, recorded and performed with people ranging from Jazz trumpeter Tom Harrell and pianist Cecil Taylor to rockers The Great Shakes and The Hush.
The debut CD from Derek Lee, which includes both solo and full band tracks, features his talents both as a songwriter and a musician. Accompanied by Gintas Janusonis (Angelique Kidjo), Brad Craig (of Chuck D’s band), Dennis Martin, Dave Phelps(Henry Butler,Phoebe Snow) and Melissa Greener singing back up vocals, Bronston delivers an excellent, honest collection of songs that express his unique personal viewpoint and singular musical gift.
REVIEWS
Performing Songwriter - May 2007
Carefree country meets tortured soul on Derek Lee Bronston's Empty River. "What Is Wrong" kicks things off with Bronston bemoaning his actions: "What is wrong with me, I treat you like I do / What is wrong with me, I leave you feeling so blue." A slow drumbeat, mournful slide guitar and harmonica complete the desolate picture.
The consolatory "That's Alright" picks up the mood, and Bronston bares all to his soulmate on "Woman Like You." "We walk alone, and I need you / We make one from two," Bronston growls and moans like a male Lucinda Williams. There's even a starkly beautiful cover of Townes Van Zandt's "No Place to Fall" which fits the mood of the record perfectly. Got an empty space on your CD shelf? Let Empty River fill it.
Ctrl Alt Country
What a debut Derek Lee Bronston has with this calling card. What most new comers couldn't dream of. What the Detroit born singer-songwriter put together on "Empty River" is an immediate soulful bursting of lyrics, which manifests his preference for the great contemporaries of this genre of music like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Gram Parsons or more recently a Ryan Adams.
More or less introspective songs, reminiscent of Americana and the alt.country style. The eye catching cover of Townes van Zandt "No Place to Fall", is that good. Simply recorded with one microphone in a hall. Is this is the best take on the CD, that can be argued? What really concerns us is that you pay attention to the enthralling "Waiting", "Woman Like You" distantly reminiscent of the Jayhawks ", the through your bones " Rainy Days", the special love song "All I Need", the acoustic version of "That is Alright" or the wonderful opening with "What Is Wrong".
In these songs Bronston is at his best. We mean the arrival of a great
thunderstorm of talent. As a vocalist, songwriter and musician (guitars, dobro, electric bass, harmonica) he is a man we will have to take into account in the future.
