We Built a Fire

Donal Hinely | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 1, 2003)
• Original Release Date: January 15, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Scuffletown Records
• ASIN: B0007XAR58
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #326,331 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“vivid storytelling peppered with pieces of reality that make each song memorable” --Paste Magazine

Product Description

With roots sunk deep in the same storytelling tradition of Texas singer/songwriters like Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt, Donal Hinely speaks in a voice that is both intimate and authentic. Spinning tales of hard luck, love, missed opportunity and die-hard hope, Hinely writes songs that skirt the outer fringes of country, folk, and straight ahead rock. With help from Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Kim Richey, guitarist Will Kimbrough, ex-Wilco drummer Ken Coomer, and Vanguard recording artist Mindy Smith, Hinely's latest CD We Built a Fire cements his growing reputation as a keen observer of the human condition. We Built a Fire marks the second collaboration with Nashville producer/cellist David Henry whose growing resume includes working with such artists as Cowboy Junkies, Josh Rouse, Vienna Teng, and Guster. Hinely's vocal, guitar, and glass harmonica are joined by a crack band of talented musicians. Chief among these is guitarist Will Kimbrough (Todd Snider, Rodney Crowell) whose signature style has made him one of the most sought after musicians in Nashville. Kimbrough's thick textures and fresh, tasteful riffs animate these songs, complimenting powerful and sometimes haunting imagery. Singer/songwriter Kim Richey lends her distinctive backing vocals on three of the tracks and Nashville stalwart Fats Kaplan chips in on steel guitar, fiddle, and accordion. Vanguard recording artist Mindy Smith also adds backing vocals on three tunes including the standout “These are the Days.” Hinely himself pushes the envelope for fans of the glass harmonica by using the instrument in some new and interesting ways on the title track and on the songs "Drunkard Moon" and "Easier." Since its release in 2003, We Built a Fire has earned critical praise from both independent and mainstream press landing on several top ten lists in the Americana genre. The Indie Acoustic Project, a review of all independent releases, named We Built a Fire second only to Rodney Crowell's Houston Kid in 2003.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars It doesn't get better than this., November 22, 2007

By 

Vickita "vickita1961" (Oklahoma, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We Built a Fire (Audio CD)

This is one of those CDs that doesn't have a single bad track on it. It's on permanent play in my car these days. I listened to it all the way from OKC to Houston recently, and could not bring myself to take it out of the rotation.

Donal is a fabulous musician -- his voice hits me where I live, take me where it's dark and sing to me, baby -- but my favorite part of his music is the lyrics. He tells stories that will rip your heart out (4225 Wellington Arms, Promise of a Dream), and seems, somehow, to know what's in the deepest recesses of my heart (Easier, These Are the Days).

I just can't tell enough people about this CD.