Bryan Gorsira

For me, the singer-songwriter genre never gets old. It’s as timeless as Mozart. And just like in classical music, some of course, is better than others. Enter Bryan Gorsira as he joins the ranks of his folk-rock predecessors with the recent release So Far.

Ironically, one of the most intriguing songs on here is “Caught”, which Bryan actually doesn’t sing on. I couldn’t find the name of the woman’s voice I was hearing, but her haunting performance had me captivated from beginning to end. My absolute favorite tune on hear though, has to be “Carry Me Away”. Its bluesy fun-filled energy matches the humorous lyrics that are immediately accessible to just about everyone. I love these two lines, “Got rid of the laptop, Oh my God, Kept my sneakers and my fishing rod” and “Got rid of my cell phone, I can’t press pound, don’t want to be reached, don’t want to be found.” Good stuff right there.

My major critique is that the album is a little off-balanced stylistically. I’m all for nice surprises, but the singer-songwriter ballads tend to get boring after a while. This is especially true when compared to the spicier tracks on the record like, “Carry Me Away”, “Love is Pain”, and “Wash Me”. My biggest problem is that the vocals sound tremendous on those songs while mediocre on the softer acoustic ones. Yes, there is a certain heartfelt charm about the ballads, but I would have much rather preferred a collection of more edgier tracks like the three aforementioned, with the acoustic ballads placed more sparingly. I’m a big proponent of sticking with what you do best, and I think Bryan Gorsira shines the most on tracks that have a little more umph to them. But I still encourage you to go ahead and listen to So Far. You’ll find that a good song isn’t that far after all.

- Carlito

For me, the singer-songwriter genre never gets old. It’s as timeless as Mozart. And just like in classical music, some of course, is better than others. Enter Bryan Gorsira as he joins the ranks of his folk-rock predecessors with the recent release So Far.

Ironically, one of the most intriguing songs on here is “Caught”, which Bryan actually doesn’t sing on. I couldn’t find the name of the woman’s voice I was hearing, but her haunting performance had me captivated from beginning to end. My absolute favorite tune on hear though, has to be “Carry Me Away”. Its bluesy fun-filled energy matches the humorous lyrics that are immediately accessible to just about everyone. I love these two lines, “Got rid of the laptop, Oh my God, Kept my sneakers and my fishing rod” and “Got rid of my cell phone, I can’t press pound, don’t want to be reached, don’t want to be found.” Good stuff right there.

My major critique is that the album is a little off-balanced stylistically. I’m all for nice surprises, but the singer-songwriter ballads tend to get boring after a while. This is especially true when compared to the spicier tracks on the record like, “Carry Me Away”, “Love is Pain”, and “Wash Me”. My biggest problem is that the vocals sound tremendous on those songs while mediocre on the softer acoustic ones. Yes, there is a certain heartfelt charm about the ballads, but I would have much rather preferred a collection of more edgier tracks like the three aforementioned, with the acoustic ballads placed more sparingly. I’m a big proponent of sticking with what you do best, and I think Bryan Gorsira shines the most on tracks that have a little more umph to them. But I still encourage you to go ahead and listen to So Far. You’ll find that a good song isn’t that far after all.

- Carlito

Over the years we’ve seen music slowly erode into something quite disturbing. Morph back to a happier time when you will find carefree acting as the embodiment of a carefree society. Music these day, though very technically savvy is missing something. Instead you get bands or artists that act in a very overcompensating way trying to prove how sick & shocking they are. At the end of they day it’s really just a publicity stunt meant to get your attention & hold it for more than 1 minute. Talking to many music fans out there, the response is overwhelming. Good music is now replaced with gossip antics & an overly Synthetic Power Pop format having many people saying – the magic of music is gone. Give me something that isn’t over the top, something that is fun, & entertaining. But above all give me substance.

So across my desk slides the latest CD by Bryan Gorsira entitled So Far. What I heard put a smile on my face, finally an artist with substance. Gorsira is some of the best new music I’ve heard in quite some time & delivering many of the aforementioned items I spoke about. You want good playing, you want rock, & R&B that is packed to the hilt with a feel good vibe? Well look no further. This CD covers all the bases delivering solid playing & amazing songwriting & a musical flair that takes us back to a more carefree time.

So Far by Bryan Gorsira & company is a breath of fresh air & it’s what we’ve all been waiting for. It’s a polished sounding musical production from start to finish served up hot with great playing, solid writing, & a feel good vibe that will lift your spirits without even trying. Favorite pieces are “Give me a Day“ & “Carry Me” It’s definitely a musical production that gives us a glimpse of what music was meant to do – make us happy not sad & depressed.

- Drew Blackwell-Indie Music Media Staff

Bryan Gorsira is a singer/songwriter from Virginia who has recorded his latest CD under the direction of producer Tom Manche. Here we have 14 songs at a total of 52 minutes, put out with very limited sleeve notes and packaging. Bryan has enlisted guest musicians to provide extra colour and charm to this superb collection of songs. There are numerous instruments brought in to play and several different influences from other genres apparent throughout this musical journey, but they are always understated so as to hold the style and themes together.

The CD begins with some gently picked acoustic guitar and understated percussion, backed with a simple keyboard line and a sprinkle of electric guitar. By the second song “Give Me a Day” Bryan has firmly established his style and with the introduction of his sweetening harmonies secures his position as a talented and sensitive songwriter. By the third song “Hello reprise” we realize that Bryan has a distinctly positive outlook on his life – clearly reflected in his melodies and lyrics and the superb vocal delivery. He holds absolutely nothing back and constantly bares his soul to his audience. I noticed that within his lyrics there is a theme of heartfelt thankfulness, a recognition of where he is in life. Surrounded in happy contentment with his wife and children around him. By the fourth song “Caught” we are met with a minor key and the introduction of a female lead vocal. There is no mention of who this is as the sleeve notes are very limited but she has a delicate and flawless voice, which is a welcome touch at this point in the running order. However, it would have been advantageous to have Bryans voice here also, perhaps performing the harmonies in the choruses. Other tracks, for example the laid back country song “The Best Years”, “New World” and “Something Right” all continue the theme of Bryans thankfulness – “All is right with the world today”. Also of note is track 10 “Again” where Bryans voice is very reminiscent of Cat Stevens.

Given the very strong theme of these songs and the emphasis on Bryans family values, it was quite a shock to reach the last song “Wash Me” which begins with a frank and very descriptive encounter with a prostitute! …erm, Bryan,…what happened to the beautiful wife that you were so thankful for? What seems apparent is the lack of thought for the tracks running order, which is crucially important as it can dramatically alter our perception of individual pieces of music (this includes the lyrical content) and in my opinion this is perhaps the only problem with “So Far”. Each of the tracks are well recorded and thoughtfully arranged, Bryan has an excellent voice with a great tone – if the songs were in a more considered order they could work even better together.


Overall this is a very impressive release by Bryan Gorsira. A collection of finely crafted music with a relaxing meditative vibe to the majority of the songs. The evocation of the moods is definitely the strong suit of this act and it is Bryan’s vocal melodies, harmonies, well placed and effective execution that makes the CD shine
- Blackdog

Artist: Bryan Gorsira

CD: So Far

Label: Independent Artist

Website: http://www.bgorsira.com

Genre: Rock, Americana, Folk

Sounds Like: Don Henley, Don McLean, Bread

Technical Grade: 10/10

Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs: Give me a Day, Hello-Reprise, Carry Me. New World,

Weakness: None.

CD REVIEW:



Acoustic singer/Songwriter Bryan Gorsira hails from Virginia & releases his latest CD entitled So Far in 2010. This is his sophomore release.



The CD kicks things off with “Searching“ a gentile intro piece complete with delicate acoustic guitar groove with well placed keyboard accents & impressive vocal presence from Gorsira. This first track is like a warm welcoming mat. Track 2 “Give Me a Day” delivers an upbeat acoustical melody that’s serves up well placed percussive accents, Spanish-type guitar virtuoso & a grand slam chorus that flows & ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. Track 3 “Hello Reprise” delvers another passionate ballad from Gorsira with its alternative rock vibe, well placed piano & impressive vocals accents from Gorsira. The CD makes quit an impression hitting solid stride serving up several amazing gems in a row. As this CD slowly unfolds its obvious Gorsira's music has a lot to offer with world class songwriting, amazing vocal persona. It has all the trademarks of world class acoustic folk/rock with its powerful highs, thought provoking wisdom, & emotional subject matter. This catalogue is packed with amazing honesty, always striking & powerful, yet fully entertained all at the same time. This CD flows extremely well song for song with musical textures reminiscent of classic Don Henley, Marc Cohen, Bread, & Don McLean. Each piece is a short and sweet musical experience holding your attention span perfectly. The musical textures are amazing. Besides the standard 4 piece delivery you will notice things like Hammond Organ, slamming harmonica, strings, fiddles, Saxophone, percussive accents layered within the music, piano, Spanish-type guitars, flutes & classic saloon style piano & amazing vocal harmonies to boot. The musicianship of all the players involved is solid across the board & conservative. Gorsira's vocal style works extremely well song for song as he also takes several risks throughout the CD indicating to me a strong & confident vocal ability. Gorsira is never afraid to shy away from the naked truth & makes the critical (singer to listener) connection with his vocals. Here you will touched by his vocal presence and amazing messages of life, love & the pursuit of happiness. These amazing ballads let it all hang out emotionally serving up passionate vocals and amazing subject matter. He possesses passion, & a vocal swagger that goes down smooth, & simply refuses to try too hard. From epic “Stepchild” to passionate “The Best Years” & “ Something Right” to powerful “New World” &”Another Old Day” to rocking “Carry Me Away” & “Love is Pain & solitary “Ramble” there is something here for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 14 ”Wash Me” the perfect finale piece for a catalogue such as this.



It’s hard to final any noticeable weaknesses with this musical production This paragraph is dedicated to weaknesses associated with the musical production. As you can see I have nothing to report.



Overall “So Far” from Bryan Gorsira is an amazing musical statement from start to finish. Its strong suit is the amazing amount of musical diversity emotional depth, superb songwriting craft, solid musicianship, & passionate vocal presence form Gorsira. Gorsira touches all the subject matter & emotions not only in his writing, but with his vocal presence. Pound for Pound “So Far” has no weaknesses & is an honest, striking, & very uplifting musical statement filled with messages of hope, wisdom, & the love of life itself. “So Far” personifies the Human Condition & doesn’t let you forget the many amazing miracles found along its path.



Cyrus Rhodes

- Cyrus Rhodes, indie music digest.com

Artist: Bryan Gorsira

CD: So Far

Label: Independent Artist

Website: http://www.bgorsira.com

Genre: Rock, Americana, Folk

Sounds Like: Don Henley, Don McLean, Bread

Technical Grade: 10/10

Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs: Give me a Day, Hello-Reprise, Carry Me. New World,

Weakness: None.

CD REVIEW:



Acoustic singer/Songwriter Bryan Gorsira hails from Virginia & releases his latest CD entitled So Far in 2010. This is his sophomore release.



The CD kicks things off with “Searching“ a gentile intro piece complete with delicate acoustic guitar groove with well placed keyboard accents & impressive vocal presence from Gorsira. This first track is like a warm welcoming mat. Track 2 “Give Me a Day” delivers an upbeat acoustical melody that’s serves up well placed percussive accents, Spanish-type guitar virtuoso & a grand slam chorus that flows & ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. Track 3 “Hello Reprise” delvers another passionate ballad from Gorsira with its alternative rock vibe, well placed piano & impressive vocals accents from Gorsira. The CD makes quit an impression hitting solid stride serving up several amazing gems in a row. As this CD slowly unfolds its obvious Gorsira's music has a lot to offer with world class songwriting, amazing vocal persona. It has all the trademarks of world class acoustic folk/rock with its powerful highs, thought provoking wisdom, & emotional subject matter. This catalogue is packed with amazing honesty, always striking & powerful, yet fully entertained all at the same time. This CD flows extremely well song for song with musical textures reminiscent of classic Don Henley, Marc Cohen, Bread, & Don McLean. Each piece is a short and sweet musical experience holding your attention span perfectly. The musical textures are amazing. Besides the standard 4 piece delivery you will notice things like Hammond Organ, slamming harmonica, strings, fiddles, Saxophone, percussive accents layered within the music, piano, Spanish-type guitars, flutes & classic saloon style piano & amazing vocal harmonies to boot. The musicianship of all the players involved is solid across the board & conservative. Gorsira's vocal style works extremely well song for song as he also takes several risks throughout the CD indicating to me a strong & confident vocal ability. Gorsira is never afraid to shy away from the naked truth & makes the critical (singer to listener) connection with his vocals. Here you will touched by his vocal presence and amazing messages of life, love & the pursuit of happiness. These amazing ballads let it all hang out emotionally serving up passionate vocals and amazing subject matter. He possesses passion, & a vocal swagger that goes down smooth, & simply refuses to try too hard. From epic “Stepchild” to passionate “The Best Years” & “ Something Right” to powerful “New World” &”Another Old Day” to rocking “Carry Me Away” & “Love is Pain & solitary “Ramble” there is something here for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 14 ”Wash Me” the perfect finale piece for a catalogue such as this.



It’s hard to final any noticeable weaknesses with this musical production This paragraph is dedicated to weaknesses associated with the musical production. As you can see I have nothing to report.



Overall “So Far” from Bryan Gorsira is an amazing musical statement from start to finish. Its strong suit is the amazing amount of musical diversity emotional depth, superb songwriting craft, solid musicianship, & passionate vocal presence form Gorsira. Gorsira touches all the subject matter & emotions not only in his writing, but with his vocal presence. Pound for Pound “So Far” has no weaknesses & is an honest, striking, & very uplifting musical statement filled with messages of hope, wisdom, & the love of life itself. “So Far” personifies the Human Condition & doesn’t let you forget the many amazing miracles found along its path.



Cyrus Rhodes

- Cyrus Rhodes, indie music digest.com

..“The Best Years” by Bryan Gorsira is a contemporary, adult folk rock CD that is filled with a pleasant, gentle ambience and positive, loving messages about life and love. On “The Best Years” Bryan gives tribute to special relationships between those who choose to share a lifetime together. This album seems to have something for almost everyone. It has a mellow quality throughout but with a lot of variety. As a songwriter Bryan shines. He portrays the feelings of life in a way that gives each of us a peek into who we are and into our own life and experiences. Bryan's outstanding, relevant songwriring is nicely embodied in the talents of the excellent vocalists and musicians featured on the CD. “New World” celebrates love and romance and the joys of having a child. "Caught" features an especially noteworthy female vocal performance and a quite acoustic/piano arrangement that has a Kate Bush quality to it with a harmony-filled chorus. "Love is Pain" has a strong rock groove, effective male vocals, and cool harmonica riffs. If you enjoy adult contemproary/rock music that exudes family values and real-life experiences, you will enjoy this CD.
..-Lea P.
and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
- Radio Indy Review

..“The Best Years” by Bryan Gorsira is a contemporary, adult folk rock CD that is filled with a pleasant, gentle ambience and positive, loving messages about life and love. On “The Best Years” Bryan gives tribute to special relationships between those who choose to share a lifetime together. This album seems to have something for almost everyone. It has a mellow quality throughout but with a lot of variety. As a songwriter Bryan shines. He portrays the feelings of life in a way that gives each of us a peek into who we are and into our own life and experiences. Bryan's outstanding, relevant songwriring is nicely embodied in the talents of the excellent vocalists and musicians featured on the CD. “New World” celebrates love and romance and the joys of having a child. "Caught" features an especially noteworthy female vocal performance and a quite acoustic/piano arrangement that has a Kate Bush quality to it with a harmony-filled chorus. "Love is Pain" has a strong rock groove, effective male vocals, and cool harmonica riffs. If you enjoy adult contemproary/rock music that exudes family values and real-life experiences, you will enjoy this CD.
..-Lea P.
and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
- Radio Indy Review

Style : Americana
Rate (1-5) : ****

Not so long ago I discussed the quite pleasant album "New World", by Bryan Gorsira. His music is hard to define and while I go for Americana the man himself prefer the moniker Independent Music. Whatever you choose, the fact is his tunes are rather enjoyable and often create a fairylike atmosphere. "The best years" is a 12 track album, composed out of tunes that Bryan wrote over the years. Some are brand new others are years old. Hence the difference in styles! Two tracks were already on his previous
album (New world and Give me a day) but for the rest, everything is freshly recorded! Like I said the styles are a mixed bag here from soulful tunes over a Neil Young inspired song to relaxing songs and everything in between.

The Opener "The best Years" is a hidden gem for sure. Very romantic both in music and lyrics, Dana Cooper duets on this tune with one of the female singers that keep returning throughout the album. (Julie Forester). More romantic sounds can be found on the "Caught". This is for me the best new
tune on the album for sure. (Although "Give me the day", which is reprised on this album is still my number 1 favorite). On "Caught" we hear snares in a typical Spanish style, not quite flamenco, but definitely Latin inspired. "Generations" sprouts a more mystic atmosphere, due to a repetitive guitar riff and enigmatic voice. "Carry Me Away" is one of those tunes that burst with blues and soul influences. Rocking good stuff with a nice horn section that makes you swing in no time. "Wash Me" takes the musical journey to another place. New Orleans infested roots rock is without doubt the best description I can give for this music. It's really quite amazing what that guy delivers over and over again. On "Another Old day" the music sounds like Marillion. Hardly roots rock, I know but like I said before these tunes are representing many years of songwriting and thus sprouting out all kinds of styles and genres.

The Best Years is not a compilation of any sort, It is simply said is the second album of Bryan Gorsira who brings joy and entertainment with his music! While many styles and genres on one album are often resulting in a mixed bag that isn't interesting at all, Gorsira and producer Tom Manche wonderfully works this out as a musical journey. Once more "The Best Years" is an album that grows on you but once you have it under your skin, I'm pretty sure it'll be hard to let it go.

- Mr. Blue Boogie Review

Style : Americana
Rate (1-5) : ****

Not so long ago I discussed the quite pleasant album "New World", by Bryan Gorsira. His music is hard to define and while I go for Americana the man himself prefer the moniker Independent Music. Whatever you choose, the fact is his tunes are rather enjoyable and often create a fairylike atmosphere. "The best years" is a 12 track album, composed out of tunes that Bryan wrote over the years. Some are brand new others are years old. Hence the difference in styles! Two tracks were already on his previous
album (New world and Give me a day) but for the rest, everything is freshly recorded! Like I said the styles are a mixed bag here from soulful tunes over a Neil Young inspired song to relaxing songs and everything in between.

The Opener "The best Years" is a hidden gem for sure. Very romantic both in music and lyrics, Dana Cooper duets on this tune with one of the female singers that keep returning throughout the album. (Julie Forester). More romantic sounds can be found on the "Caught". This is for me the best new
tune on the album for sure. (Although "Give me the day", which is reprised on this album is still my number 1 favorite). On "Caught" we hear snares in a typical Spanish style, not quite flamenco, but definitely Latin inspired. "Generations" sprouts a more mystic atmosphere, due to a repetitive guitar riff and enigmatic voice. "Carry Me Away" is one of those tunes that burst with blues and soul influences. Rocking good stuff with a nice horn section that makes you swing in no time. "Wash Me" takes the musical journey to another place. New Orleans infested roots rock is without doubt the best description I can give for this music. It's really quite amazing what that guy delivers over and over again. On "Another Old day" the music sounds like Marillion. Hardly roots rock, I know but like I said before these tunes are representing many years of songwriting and thus sprouting out all kinds of styles and genres.

The Best Years is not a compilation of any sort, It is simply said is the second album of Bryan Gorsira who brings joy and entertainment with his music! While many styles and genres on one album are often resulting in a mixed bag that isn't interesting at all, Gorsira and producer Tom Manche wonderfully works this out as a musical journey. Once more "The Best Years" is an album that grows on you but once you have it under your skin, I'm pretty sure it'll be hard to let it go.

- Mr. Blue Boogie Review

Bryan Gorsira – The Best Years
2008, Bryan Gorsira

What is a a 50 year old Wildlife Biologist doing putting out on CD? That would probably be your first question, and you'd be right to ask it. Bryan Gorsira has been writing songs for over thirty years. By his own admission he is not the performer he might like to be, so he's enlisted the help of some very talented people to help make his musical vision shine (Tom Manche, Dana Cooper and Julie Forester, to name a few). The first thing you should know is that Bryan Gorsira is actually a talented songwriter, and with the musical guidance of Tom Manche, has created a surprisingly pleasing collection of singer/songwriter tunes called The Best Years.

The title track sounds like something that could have been a #1 hit on 1980's country radio, and wouldn't fare too badly in today's market either. Caught is a piano ballad ala early Tori Amos (without Faerie talk). Love Is Pain is a definite keeper as kind of a blues-tinged country tune. Carry Me Away dances right into honky-tonk territory and will have your toes tapping. New World is another song that might have some commercial potential on Adult Contemporary radio, and Hide My Heart is worth picking this disc up for.

This is an interesting collection. There are flashes of brilliance here, and there are some things that just didn't work for me. The high points are good enough to make The Best Years worth having. I am certain that most readers will find something here that speaks to them, which speaks more to the success of Bryan Gorsira's songwriting than I ever could.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5) - Wildy's World

Bryan Gorsira – The Best Years
2008, Bryan Gorsira

What is a a 50 year old Wildlife Biologist doing putting out on CD? That would probably be your first question, and you'd be right to ask it. Bryan Gorsira has been writing songs for over thirty years. By his own admission he is not the performer he might like to be, so he's enlisted the help of some very talented people to help make his musical vision shine (Tom Manche, Dana Cooper and Julie Forester, to name a few). The first thing you should know is that Bryan Gorsira is actually a talented songwriter, and with the musical guidance of Tom Manche, has created a surprisingly pleasing collection of singer/songwriter tunes called The Best Years.

The title track sounds like something that could have been a #1 hit on 1980's country radio, and wouldn't fare too badly in today's market either. Caught is a piano ballad ala early Tori Amos (without Faerie talk). Love Is Pain is a definite keeper as kind of a blues-tinged country tune. Carry Me Away dances right into honky-tonk territory and will have your toes tapping. New World is another song that might have some commercial potential on Adult Contemporary radio, and Hide My Heart is worth picking this disc up for.

This is an interesting collection. There are flashes of brilliance here, and there are some things that just didn't work for me. The high points are good enough to make The Best Years worth having. I am certain that most readers will find something here that speaks to them, which speaks more to the success of Bryan Gorsira's songwriting than I ever could.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5) - Wildy's World

Bryan Gorsira – Giving us his ‘Best’

It seems the world can thank Bryan Gorsira’s wife for her husband’s music. Not only is she the inspiration for much of the material on The Best Years – a collection of the best of Bryan’s work over the last three decades – but without her he may never even have started recording his songs.

Bryan has been writing songs and strumming his acoustic guitar all across America since growing up listening to the great singer-songwriters of the 1970s. But it was only when he decided to record one of his creations professionally as a present for his wife that he realised he could produce a whole album himself.

Anyone hearing this charming, understated but resonant music for the first time will be grateful that Bryan did finally have this revelation. “Humility, with a world-worn wisdom” is how his college-days playing partner accurately describes the mood of Bryan’s songs.

While the warmth of the music can be felt through every song on The Best Years, the styles range far and wide. Given that this is a record some 30 years in the making, this is hardly surprising. From the tender romanticism of the title track through to the Latin inspired Caught and the mystical, other-worldly Generations, The Best Years is an ever-evolving album.

Bryan’s songwriting skills are as at home picking his way through the folksy Americana that is at the heart of all his music as he is upping the tempo for the more blues and soul influence tracks such as Carry Me Away. The voice of Dana Cooper (who Bryan uses on many of these tracks), like the best country and blues artists, sounds like that of a man brought up on bourbon, Lucky Strikes and heartache. Add in to the mix the vocal talents of Julie Forrester, who brings a soulful female touch to many of these songs, and you have a pretty rich musical tapestry.

Producer Tom Manche has expertly kept the rough edges where required but also added a few nice tricks of his own. All of this makes a pretty impressive record, especially by one who claims himself to be an ‘amateur’. If that’s true, then there’s a few pros who should be looking over their shoulders at Bryan Gorsira.

The Best Years is available to buy now. - Beatwire

Bryan Gorsira – Giving us his ‘Best’

It seems the world can thank Bryan Gorsira’s wife for her husband’s music. Not only is she the inspiration for much of the material on The Best Years – a collection of the best of Bryan’s work over the last three decades – but without her he may never even have started recording his songs.

Bryan has been writing songs and strumming his acoustic guitar all across America since growing up listening to the great singer-songwriters of the 1970s. But it was only when he decided to record one of his creations professionally as a present for his wife that he realised he could produce a whole album himself.

Anyone hearing this charming, understated but resonant music for the first time will be grateful that Bryan did finally have this revelation. “Humility, with a world-worn wisdom” is how his college-days playing partner accurately describes the mood of Bryan’s songs.

While the warmth of the music can be felt through every song on The Best Years, the styles range far and wide. Given that this is a record some 30 years in the making, this is hardly surprising. From the tender romanticism of the title track through to the Latin inspired Caught and the mystical, other-worldly Generations, The Best Years is an ever-evolving album.

Bryan’s songwriting skills are as at home picking his way through the folksy Americana that is at the heart of all his music as he is upping the tempo for the more blues and soul influence tracks such as Carry Me Away. The voice of Dana Cooper (who Bryan uses on many of these tracks), like the best country and blues artists, sounds like that of a man brought up on bourbon, Lucky Strikes and heartache. Add in to the mix the vocal talents of Julie Forrester, who brings a soulful female touch to many of these songs, and you have a pretty rich musical tapestry.

Producer Tom Manche has expertly kept the rough edges where required but also added a few nice tricks of his own. All of this makes a pretty impressive record, especially by one who claims himself to be an ‘amateur’. If that’s true, then there’s a few pros who should be looking over their shoulders at Bryan Gorsira.

The Best Years is available to buy now. - Beatwire

Style : Americana
Rate (1-5): ****

NEW WORLD by BRYAN GORSIRA is a kind of oddball in the billybop collection if you ask me. A mixture of Americana, country and folk, this album has 16 tracks which all are written by Bryan himself but only 5 of them are sung by the man. The other 11 tracks are produced by Tom Manche and sung by John Adams. Nothing special you might say, well not exactly. These tunes were handed over by Bryan by mail in kind of demo version and then Tom and his gang reworked the songs into something new. Bryan is not much of a musician as he explains himself, but at the turning point of fifty he wanted to do something that would remain (call it midlife crises if you like), so he decided to record a couple of songs he wrote over the past 30 years and handed them over to Tom Manche who created something really exciting according to Bryan.

Most of the tunes are in Country folk finger picking style that is reminiscent to some sixties psychedelic tunes (track 5 “Into My Heart”), but others are clearly inspired by folk (track 3 “Days Roll By”), progressive rock (track 6 “Splintered Glass”), blues and gospel (track 7 “Take Me to The River”), rock (Track 8 “Sold”) or soul (track 14 “Satin Lace Fantasy”). It becomes quite obvious that these tunes are written over a time of thirty years since and thus this album is a mixed bag of styles and genres. But for once I don’t care about that as I don’t care about the fact that this isn’t a rockabilly or country album. The music is simply great and absolutely great for the season.

Check out Bryan Gorsira’s website or go directly to CD baby to hear some of his music.

Mr. Blue Boogie
- VZW Billybop Cd Review