3ten Austin City Limits Live
Reviewer Missed a Buttload of Soul
RECEIVED Wed., Aug. 3, 2005
Dear Editor,
Re: Review of Stephen Bruton's From the Five [“Texas Platters,” Music, July 29]: I have had the pleasure of knowing Stephen Bruton as a friend for more than 10 years, additionally he has been a major influence on my own music. He was the first producer to show me the joy of being in the studio and putting my life down on tape when he produced Storyville (the CD that spawned the band). Artistically, he helped me achieve new levels in my work by surrounding me with such great musicians (Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, David Grissom, Derek O'Brien, Frosty Smith, and Don Henley just to name a few).
The experience of working with Stephen on Storyville is one of the reasons I will do anything I can to work on any project that Stephen Bruton is involved with. I only wish I could have been on From the Five. In talking with other musicians who worked on From the Five, all commented on the quality of the work, the energy of the songs, and the overall quality of the project and their delight to be involved. Musicians are usually the hardest critics, and they loved the record, and I have to say I agree.
This is why I was so disappointed to read the recent review written in the Chronicle. It seems to me the review, as so much so-called music criticism is nowadays, is guided by the lowest common denominator. Fashion and celebrity seem to be able to make up for half-ass playing and sub-par songwriting – so much so that it has become the norm and writers don't know a good song (or album) if they hear one. The idea of musicianship, technical expertise, and soul are completely alien concepts to them.
You can always count on Steve to bring you a recording that takes you on a great journey from start to finish – even though it may not be full of radio hits. Stephen Bruton is an incredible songsmith and I continue to be impressed with his funny, sad, and quirky wit as he comments on life and love. I have to say I do not agree with your review. This CD has a great feel, and I have to ask how the reviewer missed this. This work is fresh, wise, and full of life – not to mention the badass quality of the recording. This all was missed because, it seems to me, being a critic has come to mean finding something to criticize – searching for the negatives, whether real or imagined.
I am no writer, and this letter will attest to that, but I do have some idea of what it takes to put songs to paper and then give them life. I do know the recording process. I do know that there is no stillness, no formulas, no color-by-numbers songwriting on From the Five – just great craft with a good feel and buttload of soul.
Re: Review of Stephen Bruton's From the Five [“Texas Platters,” Music, July 29]: I have had the pleasure of knowing Stephen Bruton as a friend for more than 10 years, additionally he has been a major influence on my own music. He was the first producer to show me the joy of being in the studio and putting my life down on tape when he produced Storyville (the CD that spawned the band). Artistically, he helped me achieve new levels in my work by surrounding me with such great musicians (Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, David Grissom, Derek O'Brien, Frosty Smith, and Don Henley just to name a few).
The experience of working with Stephen on Storyville is one of the reasons I will do anything I can to work on any project that Stephen Bruton is involved with. I only wish I could have been on From the Five. In talking with other musicians who worked on From the Five, all commented on the quality of the work, the energy of the songs, and the overall quality of the project and their delight to be involved. Musicians are usually the hardest critics, and they loved the record, and I have to say I agree.
This is why I was so disappointed to read the recent review written in the Chronicle. It seems to me the review, as so much so-called music criticism is nowadays, is guided by the lowest common denominator. Fashion and celebrity seem to be able to make up for half-ass playing and sub-par songwriting – so much so that it has become the norm and writers don't know a good song (or album) if they hear one. The idea of musicianship, technical expertise, and soul are completely alien concepts to them.
You can always count on Steve to bring you a recording that takes you on a great journey from start to finish – even though it may not be full of radio hits. Stephen Bruton is an incredible songsmith and I continue to be impressed with his funny, sad, and quirky wit as he comments on life and love. I have to say I do not agree with your review. This CD has a great feel, and I have to ask how the reviewer missed this. This work is fresh, wise, and full of life – not to mention the badass quality of the recording. This all was missed because, it seems to me, being a critic has come to mean finding something to criticize – searching for the negatives, whether real or imagined.
I am no writer, and this letter will attest to that, but I do have some idea of what it takes to put songs to paper and then give them life. I do know the recording process. I do know that there is no stillness, no formulas, no color-by-numbers songwriting on From the Five – just great craft with a good feel and buttload of soul.
Malford Milligan
