Customer Reviews

Crossing Dragon Bridge

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Steve Wynn has crafted something other-worldly here. The record was written and recorded in Slovenia and has a distinctly European feel. Guitars are present but subdued in favor of beautifully orchestated, lush melodies. The tunes are remarkably simple, almost nursery rhyme-like, and man do they stick in your head. His songwriting is A-1 here, and lyrics are smart/funny as befits his subject matter. I especially love "Punching Holes In The Sky," which, I think, must be about what it feels like to live in a foreign country but not speak the language. You listen to others talking circles around you all day, unable to respond or interact with them, and it can be very frustrating. Despite the orchestration, the tunes have locomotion when needed, and this rocker-at-heart found the whole thing easily digestible. I keep finding new things in the lyrics every time I listen too, which keeps me coming back!

Steve wynn's 10th and latest studio offering "Crossing Dragon Bridge", is quite a departure from his last 3 albums, known as the Tuscon Trilogy. Here Steve traveled to Slovenia (he's always had a bigger fan base in Europe anyway). Here he teamed up with local musicians and a few well known one's in his wife Linda Pitmon, Kirk Swan, Chris Cacavas and Tim Adams (Teenage Prayers), recorded at Chris Eckman's home studio. The Key Cuts here:
"Manhattan Fault Line" -A great 1st single, A top 10 for 2008 for me anyway.
"Love Me anyway"
"She Came"
"Annie + Me"
"Punching Holes In The Sky"
""God Doesn't Like It"
and "Believe In Yourself"

This isn't the most accessible Steve Wynn, but after you give it a few listens this should sink in. After this Steve and Linda would put together the Baseball Project for 2009.

I have struggled with this album. i first feared there was religious connotations but that is not it. I was at Dragon Bridge in Ljubljana in 2007 and it is an intriguing place with vivid images of daily life - simple yet multi-layered. I remember the crowded plaze restaurants on Easter weekend with everyone soaking in the spring warmth. I think the truths and frankness Steve observed there are expressed eloquently in his songs. This is not New York, even after an earthquake. It is a place that has survived a war and found its own beauties, expressed with direct honesty. Nothing else matters. Bitterness did not lurk in the dark corners. The dragon can breath fire and destruction but he can carry those who dare to their own peace if they can recognize it when they arrive.

Unlike anything he has done before -- this work will hold you spellbound with its beauty.