Drew Kennedy,
Dollar Theatre Movie

Label: Sustain Records
Released: 2007

(4 out of 5)

Over the last few years Drew Kennedy has won notice as a fresh voice on the Texas music circuit. And what a voice it is — a deep, smooth baritone, somewhat reminiscent of the Crash Test Dummies' Brad Roberts. Kennedy puts the strong pipes to good use in Dollar Theatre Movie, his second album and first for Kerrville's Sustain Records. He wrote or co-wrote all 13 songs, most covering the usual themes of life, love, and loss. But it's the sound that captivates. Recorded at Bruce Robison's Premium Recording and produced by Gerald Boyd, the album features rich, warm instrumentation that complements the vocals perfectly. The only regret is that too many of the songs are keyed within a relatively limited comfort range, yet as he shows on "The Last Waltz" and debut single "Take Me Home" Kennedy has great vocal reach. Small quibble aside, Dollar Theatre Movie is a strong album that should only enhance Kennedy's already blossoming reputation.

Listen: "One to Blame," "Goodbye," "The Last Waltz," "Take Me Home"

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon, iTunes

April 26, 2007