In Indians and Clowns, Portland's Miriams Well delivers a nine-track package containing earthy, country rock, and at times bluesy pieces of what can only be honest diary entries. Miriams Well is comprised of singer and songwriter Mir German and guitarist/co-writer/producer Mark Bowden. Joining their team on the record is veteran songwriter Lee Garrett.
Not once in listening to this CD did this writer feel as if the lyrics were contrived or anything but a singer-songwriter's honest convictions. What makes Mir German so different than other contemporaries - her delivery and a dissolving soul for her audience to embrace.
Soulful-Sounding Bliss
The opening song (the title track) holds tight with wicked steel guitar sound a-la Jon Bon Jovi’s “Blaze of Glory.” While “Indians and Clowns” is missing the majesty and grandness of Bon Jovi’s classic country-rock song, Miriams Well’s song has something. This track might be the most radio friendly of the batch.
“More Than I” similar bed of music to the title track; but less engaging. German's vocals carry this song and bring an added spirit. Listeners might find themselves drifting into the soulful-sounding bliss. It is easy for this writer to imagine sitting outside, listening to a performance such as this in some nature filled amphitheater.
“Stay” swims through like Jewel collaborating with Melissa Etheridge. The song sounds pretty, and Well’s nonchalant approach still romanticizes the endearing lyrics. Not as country-rock as the previous tracks, this more acoustic-sounding track is nicely packaged. This is Indians and Clowns best song.
“Give Me Love” is an upbeat trip – German's voice is echoed in a doo-wap sort of chorus. The orchestration – solid rhythm guitar, steady percussion and quirky hiccups of keys, follow alongside like a loyal friend in this happy-go-lucky piece. "Give Me Love" is another radio-friendly contender. This song seems to embody the 60s Woodstock feel mixed with tender attention to tight orchestration.
Confident Delivery
“War No More” repeats “get up and dance” and just as it requests, this song gets the blood moving and trumpets sound in jazzy fun. More jazz than funk, this song showcases German's confidence to deliver her art. Great song.
“Waiting On A Plane” ventures towards a more bluesy-rock setting. It feels angry. In “Big House” the sauntering guitar riffs welcome the listener to German's familiar convictions. Her delivery throughout Indians and Clowns can sometimes be similar-sounding, but she gets beyond this through an unabashed soul.
Fans of Mazy Star, Melissa Etheridge, Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, Paul Simon, Jewel, roots music, Americana music and honest songwriting will want to check out Miriams Well. The nine tracks each have a unique aura; an energy only un-earthed through Well's subtle delivery and welcoming sounds. Also check out the closing piece, "Did You Know" for its solid bed of music, touching lyrics and Well's pace. This is also the track where the guitar sings the most.
Melissa Kucirek - Melissa L. Kucirek M.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2004) B.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2001) I'm a freelance writer ...
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