In no particular order: Tom Petty, Big Smith, The Byrds, Gypsy Scholar, Freedy Johnston, James McMurtry, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Wilco, The Jayhawks, Mark Bilyeu, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Bob Dylan, Josh Ritter, Gillian Welsh, Lucinda Williams, Nick Drake, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, k.d. lang, Lucy Kaplansky, Hank Williams, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, The Dirt Band, Lord Byron, U2...and, of course, the Liberal Mainstream Media.
Sounds Like
It's the sun-drenched sound of California folk rock mixed with just the right amount of locally-grown, raucous Ozarks joie de vivre, and brought to a boil. Taken in generous doses it will make you prettier. And taller. For the adventuresome, dip generously in a paradox of gospel and outlaw country. Enjoy with a tall glass of love--that's right, friends, homebrewed love--and you got yourself some songs that'll mend your soul where it is torn and break your heart in all the right places. But no aftertaste. Mmmm. Good.
Many years ago, Todd Mincks and Brett Miller performed as an acoustic duo called "Brother Wiley." In about 2006 they picked up more people and changed to the Mincks & Miller Band. Now, in 2009, they have exercised their prerogative as free-thinking citizens of these United States and changed the band's name back to Brother Wiley. Sometimes, when there's room on the marquee, they become Brother Wiley & Sister Gray. So there.
"Mincks & Miller's (brother wiley's) original tunes are built on lyrical depth that invites listeners into a song...One of the top 10 local albums of 2006...A solid blend of pop and folk with some stellar harmonies for good measure.”
(Michael Brothers, Springfield News-Leader)
"In a society that often seems to have lost its way and violently clings to its desire to be right, 'Life After All' provides an alternative that gently urges people toward solutions found only by showing grace and love to others.
(Cullen Hartley, Media Slog)
"Todd Mincks and Brett Miller wrote these graceful songs, both individually and in concert. The recording was done at the Bentley Cabin and the Under Control Room in Springfield, Missouri, produced by Mark Bilyeu, (who also added electric guitar, bass, and backing vocals). It is all good stuff."
(Nightflying Review, Little Rock, AR)
"Life After All is laden with meaningful lyrics that paint life in a truthful, vigorous way...Mincks & Miller (brother wiley) have truly inspired through this debut album."
(Kara Stephens, The Omnibus)
"Contemplative folk-rock--satisfies the spirit, mind, and that pissed-off political side of you." (CD Baby.com)
Todd Mincks and Brett Miller are educators by profession, usually looked to as the ones with the answers. Perhaps it’s not surprising that when they decided to detour their passions toward music and record their debut CD, Life After All, they ended up with more questions than answers, more shades of gray than absolutes. There’s a lot of musing on this album, thoughts about love and relationships, but deeper questions as well – political, spiritual, and philosophical ponderings – deep stuff to be sure. Such substance can keep you, the listener, engaged for countless spins of this CD, but the best thing about this record is its very listenable music. Mincks and Miller have been musical partners for several years now, and have developed their songwriting together, borne out of a common appreciation for a long list of lesser-known singer-songwriters along the lines of James McMurtry or Jack Logan. Likewise they mine from the same rich veins of Americana, folk and rock traditions. They have found their place musically with the help of the players around them, literally their neighbors in Springfield, Missouri, including producer/guitarist Mark Bilyeu, keyboardist/mandolinist Jody Bilyeu, and percussionist Jay Williamson of Big Smith; also the talents of pedal-steel guitarist Dean Holman (formerly with Ricky Skaggs), violinist Molly Healey, drummer Kenny Wirt, and percussionist “Dirty” Dave Harp. There are no papers or final exams, but Mincks and Miller still have something to teach us in Life After All.
Wow Brett, it was so very nice to meet you yesterday! We had a wonderful time... amazing weather, sweet people and crazy cool music really filled the soul.
Look forward to connecting any time our paths allow. Stay in touch along the way!
Thanks for joining us on Zimm's! Check out our new magazine Zimm's Music and Entertainment Review and our latest blog on MySpace. We're small right now, but thanks to the support of all of our friends, we're getting bigger and better every day!
I had my marketing cap on about a week ago and with all the bad news; the Taliban in Pakistan, the looming Chyrsler bankruptcy, the new flu epidemic, etc; I decided to go with a more optimistic theme for this summer in a bumper sticker (old school). I think its working. There are currently a little more than 50 cars in the Branson area sporty this lil’ beauty. (Yes, I comped them) What do you think?
DIGGIN YA'LLS MUSIC... SOUNDS GREAT ! Free downloads for a limited time! Show your support by leaving a comment and spreading the word! AND THANKS FOR THE ADD FRIEND !
