Hundred Word Highlights: Dan Stevens and Matt Eckstein

…Each CD review is guaranteed to be a full one hundred words, because sometimes

ninety-nine and a half won’t do.

by Curtis Lynch

Dan Stevens

Runnin’ the Backroads

www.DanStevensMusic.com

In the interests of disclosure, I consider Gulfport, Florida-based folksinger Dan Stevens a friend and I’ve listened to his songs on disc and in person many, many times, so please understand I’m not just filling

up words when I say that Runnin’ the Backroads is the best collection of Dan’s songs yet. Dan has always been about telling stories, but here the melodies are more immediate; the lyrics tighter, sharper (“Ain’t no need to expand your mind ‘cause there’s nowhere left to go” from Jerry Rubin). Dan sings American folk songs for Americans. Picks: Viagra Con Dios, The Proposal.

Matt Eckstine

https://matteckstinemusic.com

Matt Eckstine, of the late, lamented Savannah-based The Accomplices Band, has released a ten-track, solo acoustic record, revisiting songs from that band as well as new material. Older tunes like Stargazing or Townes Blues emphasize Eckstine’s songwriting in this environment and fit in well with the more recent ones. Matt says he wants his music to be “uplifting…honest.” I believe he’s succeeded. If you’re looking for earnest, original, acoustic music, you should give this man listen. Matt’s a very talented singer-songwriter with back-porch vocals that make you feel at home. Picks: Fly on a Pie, Big Dog Blues, This Heaven.