Customer Reviews

Are You a Dreamer

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is music to rest your spirit in, pure and simple. For me this album is like a meditation-- I feel rested and rejuvenated every time I play it. In today's slamming beat-driven music market (which has produced some wonderfully wild arrangements), that makes it the ultimate outsider album. Yet I have a feeling that with the added push of record label Militia Music, Witmer could certainly claim the cult audience he deserves. I'm a child of the 1970s, so my tendency is to compare the songs on ARE YOU A DREAMER? to the gentlest efforts by Cat Stevens (think "The Wind"), Donovan (ie "Catch the Wind" or his work on the film Brother Sun Sister Moon), James Taylor at his sweet baby jamesiest, and even Jackson Browne ("Our Lady of the Well"). Witmer's voice is serenity and sensitivity personified, while his lyrics embrace and intertwine both secular and spiritual themes so that you hardly notice or care where one ends and the other begins (dare I say it, like a dream)-- he infuses all topics he tackles with hope and possibility, which is a rare artistic niche. Musically, his finger-picking guitar style gently paces the musical approach which is rooted in the post-folk music singer-songwriter genre. His producer and accompanist, guitarist/keyboardist Don Peris (Innocence Mission), adds even more space and ambiance, and finishing touches are provided by guests like indie-rock fave Sufjan Stevens (vocals, keyboards, guitar, recorders), James McAlister (whose drumming is a surprise standout for such a gentle album), and beautiful harmony vocals by Karen Peris among others. If you resonate with these comments, I don't see how you can go wrong with this album-- it's a classic of its genre and one of the best albums of 2005.

As another reviewer said, "Music is such a subjective transient experience!" Truer words have never been written! My experience with Are You A Dreamer? has been the polar opposite of their 2 star review. Are You A Dreamer, Denison's tenth album, has not left my stereo since I purchased it a month ago. I become more attached to it with every listen and it has become a well-loved, if not revered, record in my circle of friends.
Dreamer is a very underestimated album. Although it takes some a few listens to fully enjoy, even the less catchy tunes eventually sink their teeth in and don't let go. Don Peris's (of The Innocence Mission and Denison's debut Safe Away) production is very shimmery and clean. The songs while very basic in structure, are layered with arrangements which bring out the best of each song without getting in the way of Denison's folksy songwriting. The arrangements mostly consist of finger style acoustic guitar, dreamy (almost jazzy) electric guitar, female harmony vocals (Karen Peris of "The Innocence Mission" on a few songs), organ, piano, and even light drums on a few tracks. Denison's vocals are up front and his voice evokes emotion like few other records of the past several years. His vocals seem to be getting better and more mature with each record he releases. Lyrically Denison has improved as well. He seems a bit less caught up in himself and able to write from a larger, perhaps older, worldview. Songs like Little Flowers, California Brown and Blue, and Grandma Mary are my favorites. I was especially excited to see Sufjan Stevens (Sufjan's reaching HUGE popularity with his own record Illinois right now) as a guest musician. He plays banjo and sings on a few of the songs.
Most of my favorite records are one's with moments that didn't necessarily strike me the first time through, yet had an element that kept me coming back until I became completely hooked on them. "Are You A Dreamer" is no exception to this rule.
If you like Paul Simon, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Gillian Welch or even Ryan Adams, I highly recommend this record.
Denison is constantly on tour and with his warm and gracious stage presence he keeps people coming back and buying albums (very few artists are as prolific). My friends and I maintain that he translates best live, but this record has really captured the warmth in what he does best - sharing his honest, heartfelt songs about every day life. If after reading this review you are still on the fence about it check out his myspace site @ www. myspace.com/denisonwitmer to hear a couple of tracks.

This album is perfect as a soft folk driven release. Any fan of indie-folk will enjoy this solid collection of personal songs about life; it's not to be underestimated. This album wraps you up in comfort and leaves you quietly content, wanting more. I reccomend this album to anyone looking to just feel good as they listen.

I discovered this album a few years ago after reading an article in Relevant Magazine. What a great album!! This is one of the best modern folk albums I have heard. Great melodies, great lyrics, and just an overall great listen from start to finish. I have a couple of his other albums (both very good), but this is my favorite. Do yourself a favor and check out this album! Simple, singable melodies, subtle yet catchy acoustic guitar picking, and vocals reminiscent of a young Paul Simon. Definitely one of the top albums of the decade (2000-2009).

I have had trouble sleeping these last few years & to find a CD like this is a blessing. Most of the songs deal with sleeping or dreaming with spiritual (Catholic?) overtones. Some songs take on a dual meaning of either that special someone as in girlfriend, wife, or in one song Grandmother to the Virgin Mary & God. Other songs have references to St. Francis & stigmata but are not an issue for other spiritual paths. The main song "Are You a Dreamer?" is about going to Sleep & Dreaming but in a few lines could be about Death & Eternal Life. All songs are well crafted & clean both musically & lyrically. No unnecessary warning label on this CD. The production is top notch which makes the CD play well through a professional stereo or shine through your car stereo. The guitar playing is smooth & skillful but sometimes sounds like 1970ish Cat Stevens. Denison Witmer at times sings like early James Taylor but I may have read that somewhere & need to get it out of my mind because he has his own personal style. The lyrics maybe spiritual but are not preachy & come to a near universal (the real meaning behind the word Catholic) outlook that calls one to higher & better Ideals. I found out about Denison Witmer by listening to Rosie Thomas who writes about the same important issues of life. I look forward in buying more Denison Witmer CD's.

Another CD that deals with the same subject matter is Luka Bloom's "Before Sleep Comes" but this CD "Are You a Dreamer?" grows on you. If at 1st you find this CD a little slow for your tastes, play it a few more times & the subject matter & skill will pull through.

Four weeks ago, Denison Witmer had a concert in our little town in Western Norway. His melodies were beautiful, his lyrics thoughtful, and his style endearingly sincere; when I got home I went onto Amazon and using the dart method of shutting my eyes and hoping for the best, ordered "Are You a Dreamer?" Bull's Eye. This CD has been spinning in the player A LOT since it arrived, and I'm not the only one putting it on. I've noticed something about it that I wasn't expecting at all: it enhances the mood you're in. It can be light and upbeat, melancholic, reflective, playful. This may be a hallmark of Witmer's music in general, but it's certainly a hallmark of this CD. There's a sincerity in his voice and in his lyrics that simply makes this CD a conduit between two souls.

this is definitely a laid-back cd you can put on and listen to all the way through. reminds me of Neil Halstead.

With the spectrum of crap available to customers out there, it's nice to see Denison consistently producing music that is what it is...sincere, simple, touching, and not bowing to the preference for cheese like many of the musicians he gets grouped wtih. Though this c.d. seems more complex than other Witmer albums, it still carries a soft, comforting component that he seems to have perfected over the years. And like you might expect, his music seems to go unnoticed due to its lack of bells and whistles. For those of you like me, who have failed at writing your own music, you will truly appreciate what Denison is able to do...he gives the listener a glimpse of real human emotion without becoming a greeting card commercial. And, his finger-picking guitar style really out-does most singer-songwriter stuff that's out there right now...it really is unfortunate that he hasn't gotten more exposure...I think this is one of Denison's best abulms and I can't immagine anyone being disapointed with this listen...

Music is such a subjective transient experience! With that being noted, I am always hesitant to take the time to write a review or comment about a recording ( actually this is a first). This disc starts out with a fairly well crafted moderate-yet mellow, poetic tune that had me initially believing this was going to be a great disc. Unfortunately there are only glimpses of what I like to hear-this recording lost my attention. Mellow, laid back and reflective is fine (ie iron and wine -old elliot smith, nick drake)... Im still searching for something more.