Pioneer Press –Jim Walsh ...Floren creates a sound that could be described as one part Bruce Springsteen, one part Lyle Lovett and one part something I can’t quite put my finger on, but I like it...Floren doesn’t shirk from the darker side of life, as in tunes like “Monique (Do It)”...The stellar title track uses a galloping drum beat to accent the rhythmic chorus...Black stallions, desert storms and Jesus drift in and out of this dream-like masterpiece. Performing Songwriter -January/February 2006 Brent Floren…sounds like a cross between Lyle Lovett and David Byrne (with a great wit to boot)... Startribune -Chris Riemenschneider -November 19th, 2004 Twin Cities singer-songwriter Brent Floren has just come out with his second self-released disc, High Horse, a collection of rootsy folk propelled by Floren’s world-weary, bluesy vocals and tuneful melodies. The Onion -November 18th, 2004 (On High Horse) Brent Floren explores the lives of the common man, backed by a supporting band that adds a jazzy undertone and emotionally charged groove that enhances each story. Floren’s voice has a deep, chill, relaxed tone that lets you slip into a comfortable state of acute listening. Pioneer Press -Brad Spychalski November 18, 2004 |
Shows/Updates
Next Shows Summer 2007 Saturday, July 7th, 9-11PM, no cover Ginkgo Coffeehouse one of the better acoustic venues in town. In St. Paul at the corner of Snelling and Minnehaha near Hamline University Thursday, July 19th, 7-9PM dinner show Mill City Cafe goood food! at California Street and 22nd Avenue in NE Mpls (near University Ave) go to millcitycafe.com for more info Friday, July 27th, 7-9PM The Coffee Hag 329 N. Riverfront,Mankato, MN, 56001. Tele # 507-387-5533 If you're like me, there's nothing better than a drive down through Southern Minnesota on a Summer night. go to myspace.com/thecoffeehag for more info. Tuesday, August 7th, in the eve National Night Out In Mounds Park in the Pavilion at Earl and Mounds Blvd I'll add more specific info later Thursday, September 6th, in the eve 318 Club with Justin Roth and Jared Mason. We're gonna do another fly by the seat of your pants songwriter in the round. We just make it up as we go. Last time was alot of fun. Located at 318 Water Street in Excelsior go to three-eighteen.com for map and menu and the phone is 952.401.7902 My CDs, High Horse and Fortune, can be found at Mpls/St. Paul Cheapo Records, the Electric Fetus, and iTunes. You can also order CDs by clicking on CDBaby.com links at this site. Take care and we'll see you soon. Brent |
High Horse is Brent Floren’s 2004 follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut CD, Fortune (2000). The sound of High Horse comes from a place where jazz, blues and country run up against each other. Against this musical backdrop Floren’s songs frequently give voice to singular moments in people's lives—from a road weary little boy to a woman deciding to finally leave her husband to an old man waiting to die. Floren typically performs his songs solo with an acousitic guitar, voice, harp and "stompboard"- His sound is at once intimate and story driven with the guitar and "stompboard" creating a rhythm that moves the songs away from traditional folk towards a hushed kind of R and B.
The 13 songs on High Horse were recorded with bass player Todd Doty and drummer Tom Duda. The CD was mixed and mastered by Hans Buff, whose recording credits include, Prince, Son Volt and American Music Club, to name a few. Buff helped Floren in capturing a sound that is at once rootsy and raw yet undeniably contemporary.
High Horse andFortune can be found at Cheapo Records, The Electric Fetus, and CDBaby.com Go to music page for info and sample cuts. |