Browne, BoobieBirth of the Chickenpick2002IndependentPR11102

Browne, Boobie - Birth of the Chickenpick - 2002 - Independent - PR11102

Written by Tim Holek

This is a collection of expressive instrumentals featuring the commanding guitar of Newfoundland native Boobie Browne.

The album's unusual title is a reference to a 1950s release from Miles Davis. In particular, it is a fairly accurate way to draw attention to Browne's style of guitar playing. He plucks the strings with his fingers rather than a pick, or he uses his fingers in conjunction with a pick. This allows Browne to play proficiently and gives plenty of time for his audience to hear and digest each note. It is especially evident on the song Pink Chicken.

Browne isn't one to try and play faster than the speed of sound. Still, his fretwork is fascinating. Backed by the Onions (Keith Power bass, Scott MacCulloch drums), they possess a full sound, even though they are only a trio. The almost 40-minute-long disc was co-produced by Browne and Troy MacCulloch.

On the Eric Johnson sounding Two Eggs Any Style, Browne picks notes with authority and purpose and there are elements of country music present in his playing. Another tune reminiscent of Johnson is Patrick Takes Out Life Insurance. This isn't meant to imply that Browne copies, but rather to give reference to someone with a similar style.

You will picture a wild square dance during the rockin' country hoe-down entitled Tele Savalas. Meanwhile, Sweetpea is acoustic folk. The song comes with a television commercial style of jingle but is cleverly matched with two-step timing and tempo.

Later, Browne combines classical music and rock in a manner befitting Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen on the song Captain Beano, complete with its overdubbed two guitar attack. Precious is romantic, acoustic rock. Picture the seaside with its smell of salt-air as you blow like the wind during this musical journey. Liquid Lunch has that classic 1960s beach feel to it. Images of psychedelic, colourful miniskirts swinging on the set of TV's Batman will develop during this cut.

As you may have noticed, the song titles are rather bizarre. I failed to make the connection between the names and the musical mood of the tunes. However, at least the names point out Browne's sense of humour.

All 10 original tracks are upbeat. Each forces the imagination to explore. Thus, each song will have a distinct meaning for each listener. Most of the tunes regularly change rhythm so listeners need not be concerned that they will become bored with the material. Additionally, this indicates great professionalism on Browne's behalf as he changes melodies and timings effortlessly.

Some songs have surprising ends and all quickly segue into each other, creating the illusion of one long extended jam. His interesting brand of roots rock soars with diversity without heavy emphasis on the blues.

Browne is a magical musician who not only creates his own songs, he creates his own words! This St. John's native needs to gig more often and deserves to get some marketing behind him. Many are not yet familiar with his name but they need to become aware that something new and completely different is on the scene.

Copyright 2003. Review by Tim Holek.

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