Customer Reviews

The Near Demise of The High Wire Dancer

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those of you who were disappointed in Big Dream Boulevard (I was not one of them) because of what you felt was over-production, you'll be in heaven with 'The Near Demise of the High Wire Dancer.' I have seen Antje several times and this cd is as close to a live performance as you can get without actually being live. 'Long Way'... 'Dublin Boys'...every single song---this is a gorgeous cd...not a single clunker...it's all delicious!

Every ten years or so, I hear a song that feels like a life anthem. The first time I heard "The Bridge" on XM, I knew I had to have this CD. I'm not in the least bit disappointed with the other 10 songs.

Duvekot has a soft voice that lends itself to stories. She speaks of deep personal issues in one verse and then takes you high above the crowds in a circus the next without missing a beat. Her circus themes remind me of the late-great Jimmie Spheeris.

I really cannot add much more to the accolades the top folk artists have added to this CD above. Duvekot is a stellar addition to the folk scene.

My favorites:

The Bridge--a life anthem, a eulogy
The Scream--sharp as a knife
Dublin Boys--takes you there

Rebecca Kyle, June 2009

Antje Duvekot's latest album is everything I look for in modern acoustic folk--sweet and sad, poetic and inventive. She manages to bring fresh imagery to the timeless subject matter of longing, loss, love, loneliness and vulnerability. Her voice reminds me of a younger Shawn Colvin in its straightforward husky sweetness, and the clean-lined arrangements allow it to shine through. My favorite track is the opening waltz, Vertigo, but there's not a bad song on this CD. Great for cruising country roads in the car.

I've always felt that Antje Duvekot's previous album, 'Big Dream Boulevard', is one of good songs and vocals which are, at times, marred by tacky accompaniment and unsympathetic production. However, when listening to 'The Near Demise of the High Wire Dancer', it's patently obvious to me, that those (perceived) weaknesses have now been addressed - AD has commandeered Richard Shindell (singer-songwriter extraordinaire) as producer, and his 'hands off' approach accentuates the folksier side of her music. He brings with him a veritable trove of Grade A musicians and vocalists, many of whom will be familiar to fans of contemporary North American folk music - these include John Putnam (pedal steel), Sara Milonovich (violin/viola/harmonies), Ben Wittman (drums/percussion), Viktor Krauss (acoustic bass on 'Coney Island'), Lucy Kaplansky (harmonies), John Gorka (harmonies) and, last but not least, Richard Shindell gets in on the act too (almost everything but the kitchen sink).

AD has a distinctive voice - one which combines a certain subtle edginess with a fragile vulnerability; her phrasing is not unlike that of Richard Shindell himself, and there is more than a trace of Shawn Colvin and Patty Griffin too, but she could never be mistaken for any of these singers (not even Richard Shindell!) - she has a style all of her own. There are times when the low notes escape her but, when all is said and done, this minor distraction pales into insignificance when set against the many other positive qualities of her music. AD writes fine lyrics - replete with symbolism and imagery, bittersweet and introspective, often conveying themes of emotional isolation; I also think that, melodically, the album contains a stronger set of songs than does 'Big Dream Boulevard'.


With the exception of the final track, all songs are written/co-written by AD - a few comments about some of my favourites:

LONG WAY - Mid-tempo 'Shindell-esque' travelogue. AD's attractive and easy paced vocals, John Gorka's delicate harmonies and the light semi-acoustic instrumental accompaniment all make for a deliciously folksy concoction.

DUBLIN BOYS - A slowish rocker having a distinct Gaelic lilt and a chorus with a strong hook. The song starts with acoustic guitar, then gradually builds as percussion and then electric guitar (Duke Levine) and Hammond (Seth Glier) are introduced; also features piano and some pleasant harmonies.

SCREAM - A classy piece of mid-tempo pop-rock with rhythmic harmonies. Richard Shindell's one minute plus acoustic guitar solo (at the end of the song) ought not to be missed.

MERRY-GO-ROUND - Another mid-tempo rocker, features resonant acoustic guitar/electric bass, occasional electric guitar licks and close harmonies; also, overdubbed vocals sung at counterpoint to the main melody. Catchy chorus and outstanding vocals from AD.

I found 3 songs less compelling - 'Lighthouse', 'Coney Island' and 'Augen, Ohren und Herz' - but there are no bad songs on this album, and these could well be amongst you own personal favourites.


I bought this album about 4 months ago, and I still listen to several of the songs frequently - this bodes well for its longevity as a dust-free item in my CD collection. Strongly recommended if you like modern, singer-songwriter/folk music; also, if you're looking for contemporary folk-rock noir, then you've come to the right place; good music - in fact, GREAT music.

I first heard Antje opening for Solas and have loved her music ever since. This CD continues that. There is not a single bad song on here, though my personal favorite is Lighthouse.

Antje Duvekot's 2nd album, The Near Demise of the Highwire Dancer, takes flight right from where her 1st album, Big Dream Boulevard, leaves off. Produced by Richard Shindell, this release highlights a young singer songwriter sharpening her tools, refining her craft and achieving something really memorable - the result is a rich and rewarding collection of contemporary folk music. Her songs are effortless, lead by Duvekot's crisp, stunning voice (a Shawn Colvin / Natalie Merchant mix) and Shindell's production is pure and honest. Duvekot is a fresh talent with a bright future. And this is a fantastic CD. GENRES: Contemporary Folk, Folk Rock.

BUY IF YOU LIKE: Natalie Merchant, Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin.

MUST HEAR TRACKS: "Long Way," "Vertigo," "Lighthouse."

I was reluctant to buy Highwire because I was afraid that it would be a let down after Big Dream Blvd. I ended up having nothing to fear. Though different in style and story than Big Dream, Highwire hit me hard. I feel like I am home when I listen to Highwire. I immediately ressonated with It's a Long Way. Listening to Coney Island is quite an emotional experience for me..."In a world so full of trouble, I think that we've seen enough..."

The experience that I have had listening to both Big Dream & Highwire is that her song have grown on me.

This is a very tastefully produced CD from a very talented folk artist. The songs are all lyrically interesting and the musicianship impeccable. I find it interesting that one reviewer criticizes Antje for not producing a CD of entirely new songs, when, in fact, seven titles included here are new, and the others are properly produced versions of early songs from CD's that are no longer available....quite similar to what other great folk artists such as Gordon Lightfoot had the good sense to do as their popularity increased. If you have the chance to see this charming young lady perform live, do so....she is a revelation!

I kept hearing her name in favorable contexts, such as winning the Kerrville festival's new folk artist contest. I, however, had not heard her music nor been able to come up with a nearby performance I could catch. I now count myself lucky that Richard Shindell had the foresight to tour with her recently so she was the opening act with him in St. Louis in February. I was mesmerized with her songs and her performance. This is a mature songwriter who has something to say. Her song structure and themes were a perfect fit with Shindell's which is saying something. Her voice is full and beautiful and she knows how to put her songs over! I was disappointed at the show that she was temporarily out of her CDs. I did not waste any time in getting my hands on this CD and it does not disappoint. All of that magic of her live performance is here on this studio album masterfully produced by Richard Shindell. He also sings harmony and plays along with some other tasty musicians who know how to complement these wonderful songs. Do yourselves a favor. Buy this CD and enjoy.

Honestly,

When is she going to produce an entire album of new material? The last two albums were simply recycled songs that have been reproduced (and not in a good way) with a few new songs mixed in.

The reason Antje's first two albums were so successful was the music was produced by Antje and her guitar alone, without any accompanying instruments. Unfortunately, like so many folk artists before her, Antje allowed the record companies to dictate her sound (on the last two albums) instead of continuing to produce the music that made her so popular.

Get back to the basics Antje!