Ethan Setiawan & The Fine Ground – Little Storms
Another debut set with that features a banjo, fiddle & mandolin anchored less in tradition as much as a more mainstream bluegrass unit via the pop music highway. It may be a good idea. Portland, Maine’s Ethan Setiawan has a cool voice that isn’t too sweet, twangy, or earthy. “I Didn’t Try Hard Enough” (a Scottish by Kris Drever) has its commercial value soaking in the traditional music that Ethan brings to the arrangements successfully. It’s about the age-old tale of a love spurned. The playing is exquisite, but the lyrics are a little stuck in a repetitive gear.
The 10 clouds that form Little Storms (Dropped Oct 2/Adhyaropa Records /37:47) were recorded “live” at Dimension Sound Studios. Some expressive instrumentals break up the momentum with ease (“Ancient Grains”) & the sung pieces have gumption in “Whiskey Boys” a reimagined Carolyn Kendrick song as a bluegrass tune. It works. Yes, it does.
Ethan doesn’t possess a Kentucky-type Appalachian tone in his voice, so his approach to this genre is what’s appealing in its difference from the old-world fare. He doesn’t attempt to emulate the vocalists of the mountains but accepts his more pop-oriented vocal tone, tinged with enough bluegrass to be authentic. He’s skillful on his instruments & his accompanying musicians are convincing. “Ships at Sea” is a well-written tune & even has a slight air of Procol Harum to its melody.
Setiawan does a fine job with each song. He makes up for a lack of character in his voice with his fine singing style. He’s not as distinctive as Nick Drake, John Martyn, Richard Thompson, or even Glen Campbell. But does have an enlivened vibe with each melody he touches. He’s a skillful musician & understands the genre with his consummate style.
Surprisingly, I’m impressed with “The Clover Saloon” as Ethan turns an Elizabeth Eaton Converse original into an upbeat bluegrass classic. Elizabeth was known in NYC as Connie Converse, a 1950’s female singer-songwriter who was writing & playing originals a decade before Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell existed. Her mystery? She disappeared by choice in 1974 (over 52 years) & is still missing. Her music gained notoriety in 2004. I respect Ethan’s decision to include a song (from Connie’s LP How Sad, How Lovely). A good choice, Ethan.
The last song is original & has all the earmarks of a genuine bluegrass instrumental. It’s lively, retains a vintage vibe & yet, has the thrust of wonderful bluegrass. Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass, would have enjoyed it.
Highlights – “I Didn’t Try Hard Enough,” “Whiskey Boys,” “Ships at Sea,” “Ancient Grains,” “The Clover Saloon,” “Across the Great Divide” & “The Wind In the Strings.”
Musicians – Ethan (octave mandolin/vocal), Julian Pinelli (fiddle), BB Bowness (banjo/tenor vocal), Alex Rubin (guitar/baritone vocal) & Brittany Karlson (bass/tenor vocal).
CD photo courtesy of Louise Bichan. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.ethansetiawan.com/