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What Have People Said?(Submit a review here.)WhiskeyFor 10 years, ThorNton Creek has been a reminder of the days when Seattle clubs were ablaze with good-time country rock 'n' roll. A good song, a danceable beat and some hot licks are the recipe for all the 14 tracks on the band's new release, "Whiskey." Thornton Bowman sings in a straightforward high tenor reminiscent of Country Joe McDonald. His vocals are sweetened by MJ Bishop's harmonies. Don Miller's versatile guitar playing ranges from the laid-back swing of "Laugh Away," the roots rock of "Mind Like a Window," to "New One's" psychedelic fire.Bill White, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, November 2006 If you've ever hung out at honky tonks in a small western town watching locals two step and swing to music accented by clinking glasses, then you have experienced Thornton Creek. And if you listen only for the "feel," you might miss something important: the intriguing lyrics of Thornton Bowman. While playful at times to fit the instrumental mood of the song, there is nothing ordinary about these lyrics. In "Leavin' it Alone," Bowman moves from "at the top of my voice, there was silence - nothing but words piled at my feet" to, "at the bottom of silence truth is stirring - sounds like noise if you let it shout," capturing in an original way the feel of the aloneness that comes not from solitude but from choices made and loves lost. Several of the tunes are gospel edged, musically, but again, there is a twist in the lyrics that reveals a wry mind and a well-traveled soul. In "By and By," Bowman presents a dialogue between the conductor of a train bound for the hereafter and a preacher from the here and now. Sometimes the promises made in funereal moments can engender bold questions, as is done here with skill by Bowman. No easy answers here. Musically, this is a fun-filled album, but take a moment to sit with the lyric sheet to appreciate the craft and the wry view of songwriter Thornton Bowman. Char Seawell, Victory Review, October 2006 Niet heel even, maar een heel nummer lang dacht ik dat ik naar een nieuwe plaat van The Jayhawks aan het luisteren was. Openingstrack "Frying Pan", zo heet het liedje, kon zo uit de pen zijn gekomen van Gary Louris. Dezelfde melodielijn, en die samenzang, zeg dat is toch typisch The Jayhawks...En wat is dit een klasse-plaat, een heerlijke plaat, vol pareltjes...Mooie naam, maar deze naam is dan ook zomaar niet gekozen...Wat er nadien gebeurd mag zijn kan u al raden. ThorNton Creek bestaat en hoe?..."Whiskey" hun derde plaat met loepzuivere koortjes en gladgestreken rock-akkoorden, die het geluid bepalen, dat verder door de producer Kevin Suggs wordt aangevuld met vernuftige arrangementen en allerhande trucjes..."Whiskey" is een plaat waarmee alternatieve countryrock zeker het rootspubliek kan bereiken. Rootstime, Belgium, September 2006 (Full review here. If you can read it, drop us a note.) Six Times StrongerIf you are looking for a laid-back, no-attitude band to play your laid-back, no-attitude club, you couldn't ask for a better group than ThorNton Creek. We had them in more than once, and every time they packed the house. This CD is a great addition to their already fantastic song library, and I look forward to seeing them play some of this new stuff live. Outstanding musicians and a really cool group of people - I just can't say enough good things about them. When we get our place re-opened, they will be the second call I make (right after the one to the liquor board!). Best bar band in the world!Clay from Guppy's West Seattle The richness of Thorntons words and voice somehow sooths and inpires me at the sametime. Thornton and the sounds of the creek are magical. Every CD gets better and better. Now this one plays in the Mexican forest for all the birds. ThorNton creek opens my soul. Brian Fey Love it. Their best yet, with more to come I am sure. These folksy friends play so tightly together its like they are related. They are incestuous and inviting. Love it! Love the harmonies, words and fine strumin'. WorldPerc casting for Performing heARTS 1. Your songwriting ability has really bloomed and matured. The songs are definitely more complex and mature. They're fantastic. 2. The arrangements are also wonderful--I don't know how much is your direct influence or the fact that your band has grown tighter. 3. The guitars and voices are done really well! Generally, I love this CD and think you've done a GREAT job! Great CD! Songwriting at its best. David Aimone 'Six Times Stronger' has several layers and it takes a couple of listenings to peel them back. The songs start out soft, easing their way into your mind until Bowman's voice begins to sound like home. Hints of jazz, soul, twang and ? intermingle in this reflective collection of tunes. Whether you're drinking whiskey or wine, this album is an excellent companion. My compliments to the band! Outstanding! Heather in Seattle I love the lyrics of these songs. They really tell a story that is both personal and applicable to all. Great band! Well worth a listen. Amazing lyrics and song-storytelling! Eva Tree Songs From the Urban Watershed"...the band plays Neil Youngish music that is refreshing to hear...easy to listen to...""Thanks for the CD." Rep. Jim McDermott, US Congress (D-Seattle), March, 2000 In the Kitchen of the BlacksmithI admire Thornton Bowman for going it alone. And I mean pretty much totally alone. When it's your voice and your guitar, you're naked and your nadgers curl up with your nerves. The world can see what you've got, and you just pray no one laughs.Well, if you like Neil Young, Bowman will have you beaming. The man isn't a clone by any means, but there's enough in his voice to get you harking back to old Neil's acoustic work. As far as his writing goes, the songs are a much more slippery beast, lyrically dense, sometimes even serpentine, uncoiling the soul and that little kernel of truth, the way the best songwriters should. Musically? Well, the natural approach isn't always the best, daring as it may be. Leaving a little to the imagination can often work better, adding a few more textures, mixing it up and messing it around. Maybe next time someone will write that he plays well with others. But Bowman's got a good solid start on the trail. Chris Nickson, The Rocket, August, 1998 Other?You were really coolI would be a fool Not to say so So I don't feel so low. This was a pretty good show. ThorNton Creek's Just about as sharp as A bird's beak. Well take care And make sure that Life is fair! "Monica's Intoxicate Poem" by Monica ("Tricia's friend"), submitted sometime in 2001 (We have no idea either.) |