Customer Reviews

North American Long Weekend

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Regrettably, artists on small labels most often find it difficult to rise from anonymity. The mere presence on an obscure label would seem to denote work not worthy of consideration by the many.

Well, if you're a living, breathing, feeling human being, Freund's art can speak to your soul and its memories.

It's tough to tag his genre, which may be part of the difficulty describing and marketing his music.

Freund's is a canvas splashed with urban folk-blues-jazz-rock, capable of transporting the receptive listener to times, places, feelings that I dare say are near universal and precious in the civilized experience.

His intoning of thoughtful, poetic lyrics coupled with self-accompaniment on the string bass is both soulful and cool.

Spin and LISTEN. You won't be disappointed.

A fluent,literate consummation of 200 years of American music. Homegrown, but urban, this guy speaks for the new generation.

Well, it appears I'm the 2nd reviewer, and I'm equally amazed that Tom Freund hasn't received more recognition, even if only among those who classify themselves as fans of the 'singer-songwriter' genre. Freund's songs are invariably personal and introspective; you oftentimes get the feeling you're the next door neighbor in a thin-walled duplex, overhearing a conversation meant for someone else's ears, or perhaps that you've read a page from his diary.

His musicianship won't knock anyone's socks off, but then what makes him great isn't his Yngwie Malmsteen impression - it's his songwriting. He is deceptively talented however: he doesn't show off his skills because for him it's about the song (he plays at least 5 instruments). The melodies are superb, falling at various points on the spectrum between straightforward folk-rock and jazzy folk-blues. In particular, "27", "Business of Knowing", "Trondheim", and "Great Authority" are memorable tracks. Most songs have some combination of acoustic guitar, piano, upright bass and drums, though the drums are pretty laid back for the most part. Definitely worth a purchase if you like very early Tom Waits (think "Ol' 55"), or the folkier elements of Tom Petty (though he's much less poppy & sarcastic than the latter). Fans of Mason Jennings or Iron & Wine may also like him

Some interesting guest spots on the album are Rami Jaffee (the organist from the Wallflowers), Jimmy Smith (the legendary Blue Note & Verve jazz organist 50s-present) and Jon Brion (the songwriter/producer).

This album is a must have. Order it now. I ordered it from Red Ant Records (Tom's label) in California without evening hearing it. It's well worth it.

One of the nicest surprises at the closing stages of 1998 is Tom Freund's 'North American Long Weekend'. His album sounds like he has been around quite long. It's not hip, but also not outdated. People might call it 'timeless'. Highly recommended.

I like this one...a hybrid of Tom Waits, Van Dyke Parks and Lyle Lovett!

Saw Tom a few years back in a small setting- touring with Gram Parker and someone else -who escapes me now- bought a copy of North American Weekend at the show and was blown away.

Beautiful voice coupled with musicianship that is bare enough to let the vocals (and lyrics) really shine. Buy this. Everyone should.