madewell music

“Arrow Creek Steve Madewell Arrow Creek is Steve Madewell's sophomore effort and it's a picturesque portfolio of songcraft in the vein of Livingston Taylor and Richard Shindell. The disc's 14 songs spin a range of personal tales and introspection to longing for a simpler, bygone era. His generational perception is both palpable and heartfelt; the view from his proverbial hill about the things we've lost as a society makes a statement. And if you're not moved by tracks like "Wound Too Tight," well, then maybe you are. Acoustic guitar-driven and lyrically-based, Madewell croons about family farms, scaling back as a society of consumers (the stunning "Is This What We Have Become") and the importance of being earnest... the actual act, not Oscar Wilde's book. While acoustic-minded, not all the arrangements on Arrow Creek are sparse or plaintive; vocalist Caroline Quine offers lush vocals to two-part harmonies that soar and lilt on the set-closer "Driven," making the tune particularly memorable. With decorative banjo, mandolin and bowed bass, Madewell's musings swell solidly. If you're a "Folk Alley" radio program fan, this should be on your short list. Madewell performs in the Warehouse District this Thursday, August 7 as a part of Sparx in the City. You can learn more about the songwriter and his upcoming dates at http://www.madewellmusic.com. From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peter@coolcleveland.com” - Peter Chakerian

“Steve Madewell's "Arrow Creek" features "meticulous songcraft". Music this quiet and peaceful doesn't usually make you think. Singer/songwriter Steve Madewell is definitely rooted in the late "60s-early-70s" generation of folk-pop crossover musicians such as Bob Dylan, James Taylor, and Don McLean. Madewell comes across as a born storyteller, but his tales are not necessarily his own. "Who Will Weep for Me", for instance, is about Chief Logan of the Mingo tribe, whose entire family was slaughtered by white men in a vicious massacre and sought vengeance; he would later become a champion for peace and eventually died alone and virtually unmourned. Unfortunately, too many Americans are unware of this story, the sacrifices made by the Native Americans. If U2 covered this, it'd be all over the charts. Madewell loves atmosphere; the songs here breathe real air, capturing the mood and the settings of each track. There is meticulous songcraft at work. The title cut is a lushly strummed portrait of scenic gorgeousness; through Madewell's delicate playing we can see through his eyes, the images that inspire every sublime chord. "Wrapped Inside Your Love" and "Climb" are moving soundtracks for daydreaming; the guitar playing is as sweet as a fruit's juices. Arrow Creek is what road trips are made for. I recently drove from Arizona to Oregon, and the songs here really caught the postcard pictures of spare deserts and high mountains.” - By Lucinda Coyne

“Steve Madewell achieves inner peace through acoustic beauty on "Arrow Creek". Was there an album released last year which had the handmade intimacy of Steve Madewell's Arrow Creek? You can probably only count the number of such records on one hand. As far as acoustic folk and Adult Contemporary releases went, Madewell was in a space all his own. You see, too many musicians today record for the wrong reasons. Judging from the subtle charms of Arrow Creek, Madewell isn't trying to pack arenas; heck, he isn't even reaching for a Neil Young-sized gold rush. Instead, Madewell has bared his soul; Arrow Creek, then, is the lyrical and musical confessions of middle age, the thoughts and feelings of a man who is looking back on his life and to the future as well. This is a record that is both polished and raw. How is that? The production is sleek and attractive; you can hear nearly every string on his guitar, especially on the title track which is utterly hypnotic. At the same time, Madewell doesn't add any instruments that aren't necessary. If I was to compare its warm, back-to-basics textures, I would rank it with Rick Rubin's work with the late Johnny Cash. The only difference is that Rubin extracted Cash's inner demons, creating a haunted, sometimes depressing atmosphere; Madewell emphasizes beauty and calmness, achieving an inner peace that the listeners can easily feel. ” - Carson James

“What an odd coincidence to receive singer/songwriter Steve Madewell's Arrow Creek shortly after hearing the news about Dan Fogelberg's death. While I'm not exactly sure how much influence Fogelberg had on Madewell, they certainly share the same spirit. Madewell's music is story-driven unplugged soft rock, but unlike many male artists today his guitar playing actually evokes specific moods and colors the images of his lyrics. In other words, this isn't some bland strumming; I am moved as much by Madewell's flair with the strings as I am by his lyrics. Madewell has written some fairly powerful tunes on here. "Is This What We Have Become" is either a personal confession of regret or the sad transition of the baby-boomer generation from idealists to capitalists. Madewell's reflective, rain-soaked acoustic guitars add poignancy to what is already a hauntingly plaintive song. The dramatic tension in Madewell's guitar playing is palpable, especially on "Miami Wind" and "Meet Me in Saint Louis." On "Climb", Madewell strikes for an atmospheric, cinematic vibe and nails it perfectly. Musically and lyrically, there is much to savor on Arrow Creek.” - Jessica Shearer

“Genre: 'Folk' - Release Date: '2007' Our Rating: Arrow Creek" from singer/songwriter Steve Madewell (http://www.madewellmusic.com) finds strength in its quietness; this is an album of soothing, spare unplugged arrangements but with words that carry substantial weight. It's not an introspective, depressing effort like other recent examples in this genre. Rather, Madewell is a throwback to the glory days of James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot, folk lyricists who had a knack for punchy, page-turning narratives. Who Will Weep for Me" details the life and death of Chief Logan of the Mingo American Indian tribe, whose family was murdered by frontiersmen in 1774. With its slow, dreamy guitars, "Who Will Weep for Me" sucks you right into its historical scope; the addition of a female vocalist, Caroline Quine, gives it added warmth. "Is This What We Have Become" is another sad tale; however, it's one that hits closer to home as Madewell laments the eroding values in American society and perhaps in himself, too. There is plenty of beautiful music on this CD, enough to fill a couple of records, actually. The title cut offers a lush nighttime landscape and "Wrapped Inside Your Love" is as warm as a fireplace. Madewell leans toward to country territory but doesn't completely give in until "Wound Too Tight," which recalls vintage Willie Nelson. This is an outstanding acoustic folk album, packed with emotion and soul.” - Adam Harrington