REVIEWS FOR the beauty of it all—2023
Now Playing: Brian Kalinec’s ‘The Beauty of It All’
Brian Kalinec is readying for the release of a new album. It's titled The Beauty of It All and has a drop date of June 30th. But first, for those of you not yet familiar with the act in question, a bit o’ background.
Brian Kalinec
According to online sources such as his official website, Brian Kalinec is a Houston, Texas-based American singer-songwriter. His rockin’ resume includes two previous platters including 2007’s Last Man Standing and 2012’s The Fence. He has won the Big TopChautauqua Song Contest, the Songwriter Serenade Competition, second place in theWoody Guthrie Song Contest and was even a finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest. He has performed internationally and appeared on Rich Warren's Folkstage on WFMT in Chicago.
Signature Sound
Brian Kalinec’s signature sound is a blend of multiple music genres including Americana, adult contemporary, country, and folk. His music is often inspired by real life events.
The Beauty of It All
The Beauty of It All is a 14-track album of almost all original material. Here Kalinec leads the way on lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitar. He is backed by an assortment of other artists including Patterson Barrett on pedal steel; Cody Braun on harmonica and mandolin; Michael Dorrien on electric guitar; Mark Epstein on bass and fretless bass; Dave Pearlman on pedal steel; Rankin Peters on bass; James Rieder on double bass and chamber strings; Pete Wasner on grand piano, fender rhodes and Synth, Hammond B3, accordion, and Wurlitzer; Dirje Childs and Madelaine Herdeman on cello; producer Merel Bregante on drums, percussion, and background vocals; and Jen Grove, Sarah Pierce, Kelly Hanshaw, David Hanshaw, Jordi Baizan, Ken Gaines, and Madelaine Herdemen also on background vocals.
Track by Track
The album opens on the autobiographical “The Beauty of it All.” This song expresses what's important i Kalinec's life. It confirms the old axiom that youth can indeed be wasted on the young. It’s about the wisdom that comes with age and appreciating the life you have.
The second selection is “Big Hearted.” This one was co-written by Grammy Award winner Steve Seskin and Kate Schutt. It focuses on kindness and poses a positive possibility without passing judgment.
The next number is “Breakfast at Midnight.” It’s a calm cut about the life of someone who works on the road, perhaps even a traveling troubadour. To a lesser extent, you may feel it even speaks to the routines which we all develop.
“Two Roads” is a tuneful tale of a pair of neighbors who have chosen separate paths in life. It explores their obvious differences while also songfully showing that we are all a part of humanity and perhaps may make many different choices in life but still share commonalities.
“Redwood Fence” follows. It’s the powerful premiere single about societal segregation as initially seen through the eyes of a child. It’s yet another tuneful tale complete with a universal life lesson about acceptance and friendly inclusion fabulously free of any unnatural agenda. In a recent email, Kalinec discussed the inspiration behind the song.
He said: “Our perspective of life is greatly shaped by our experiences. We learn from the things we see, but we may not understand or even be aware of the lives of others around us. Until we do become aware, we cannot appreciate what each human being can contribute to the world. Ultimately, the cruelty of discrimination against anyone makes us a poorer, less just, and less knowledgeable society.”
Kalinec continued: “I grew up in the north end of Beaumont, TX, but this story could've taken place in almost any town in the US at that time. In our immediate area, our street was the most southerly one with white residents. On the south side of our backyard fence was a series of large, adjacent African American neighborhoods extending all the way to downtown.”
He concluded: “When our subdivision was built in the 1950s the builder constructed a continuous six-foot redwood fence which spanned the entire 20-house block on the back property line of our backyards. This song explores the relationships and regrets related to that fence, as observed through the eyes of a child and reconsidered often as an adult. The accompanying video reminds us of the continuing struggle for equality and racial justice through the past century and a half. Everything in this song happened and is as true as I know it to be.”
The sixth songful serving is “I’d Never Expect It.” This song might be overshadowed by its placement. Nevertheless, it still has its own little identity.
The focus track “Next Door Stranger” explores a familiar theme. Here is yet another songstory that is both observational and yet self-reflective. That’s all I can say without giving it all away.
“Pizza and God” is another fun little number. It focuses on being thankful for what we have regardless of if some others have more. “Overcommitted” demonstrates Kalinec’s versatile songwriting skills, and his solid signature sound. Again, this tune too might be overshadowed and not get as much press but it nonetheless earns it inclusion on this release.
“Fix It Man” is the final focus track. It is a lovely little song about an older handyman who presents the perfect picture of perseverance. Also included is “If You’d Only Asked Me”. It is yet another track on which he tunefully touches on struggling with personal perseverance.
The twelfth track is “Full Moon Window.” This is another cut which was obviously born of personal experience and the realizations that come with the wisdom gained from being on this planet for a while. “The Wind” blows in next. This one was co-written with Mando Saez. The pair effectively presents a musical metaphor that eloquently expresses a point about inner strength and our ability to perservere.
The closing cut is “River of Kindness.” This song is about our ability to set aside our differences to demonstrate the decency we have within us. It’s one final example of Kalinec’s songwriting skills, and the effective musicianship of everyone on the album.
Overall…
Overall, this album is a breath of fresh air in many ways. The cuts are comforting, clever and musically solid in composition and performance. The creative musical messages resonate with modern-day times with reflective yet somehow universal lyrical lessons that often teach but never lecture. In a world where people all too often point the finger everywhere but in the mirror, Kalinec focuses on the ability we all have to aid, appreciate, unify, and persevere to improve even our everyday existence. In essence, the album focuses on the strength we have to overcome life’s stumbling blocks and recognizing every single step we take to move forward. So, check out Brian Kalinec’s new album and experience “The Beauty of it All.”—Will Phoenix--Steemit.com
Hootenanny Cafe
“I always get excited whenever Brian Kalinec releases a new album. The wonderful thing about his new CDs - you almost don’t have to listen to know it’s gonna be great! But when you do listen it’s even better than expected and that happens to be the case with his most recent CD release- “The Beauty Of It All”!
This album is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking! Get it and LISTEN!!!!”
–Jon Stein--Host, Hootenany Cafe, WTBQ AM 1110 FM 93.5
Songwriters Studio
“The Beauty of It All, the latest release by Brian Kalinec, dives deep into lyrical complexity and visual appeal. Great poetic lyrics are common traits among Kalinec’s writing strengths and The Beauty Of It All has brought his creativity along for the ride.
Recorded and engineered at Merel Bregante’s Cribworks Digital Audio, Liberty Hill, TX with additional recording in Brian’s home studio. Bringing in Houston’s notable, skilled side-man Rankin Peters on bass, who has been one of Brian’s go-to players for many of his live shows. In addition, producer/engineer Merel Bregante called on some old friends to add the right touches to Brian’s project, including the incomparable session-ace Pete Wasner (Vince Gill, Kathy Mattea & Jerry Douglas) on grand piano, Hammond B3 organ, Fender Rhodes & accordian; Cody Braun (Reckless Kelly) on mandolin & harmonica; Michael Dorrien (The Sarah Pierce Band) on guitar; Dirje Childs & Madeline Herdman on cello; Dave Pearlman & Patterson Barrett on pedal steel; Merel Bregante on all drums and percussion, whom one would require to produce a full-blown ensemble. Legendary engineer, Jerry Tubb put the final touches on the record, mastering the project at his Terra Nova Mastering, Austin, TX.
Though Brian penned most of the tracks, he shares writing credits for The Wind, with Mando Saenz, which includes backing vocals by Sarah Pierce & Merel Bregante. In addition, Brian premiers Big Hearted, written by Steve Seskin & Kate Schutt, a heart warming story of a young boy’s sympathy for a homeless man. The Beauty Of It All, is a reminiscent story of one’s past to present, with no regrets, incorporates beautiful piano and strings, composed and performed by Jim Rieder(The London Symphony Orchestra), is a great opener to this fine album. On Breakfast At Midnight & Full Moon Window, Kalinec so delicately weaves his lyrics into the stories we may have all faced, waking in the middle of the night as creativity absorbs our thoughts, both feature excellent pedal steel by Dave Pearlman. Kalinec showcases his polished guitar work, including his clean finger picking on tracks like Redwood Fence & Next Door Stranger. The Beauty Of It All crosses genres including folk, touches of jazz (I’d Never Expect it & Fix It Man), Americana (Full Moon Window) and blues (The Wind.) Closing track River OF Kindness appropriately closes the album offering a sense of calm and completion.
Great recording, excellent production, mixing & mastering, The Beauty of It All, begs you to listen again. Thanks, Brian, for a record worthy of the wait!”
--Tom Tranchilla--Host: Songwriters Studio, KPFT, 90.1, Houston, TX, A Pacifica Network Station
REVIEWS FOR THE FENCE—2012
Reviews of the CD: "The Fence" 2012
Rootsy (Sweden)
Interesting lyrics, poetic touch and personal reflections combined with a supple musical setting. There is a combination of Woody Guthrie, John Steinbeck, James Taylor and Rodney Crowell in the stories he tells...Brian is a fine singer - songwriter... he sings with a soft and strong singing voice, a voice that captivates because it has such a strong ability to convey the words, tie them together with music to a functioning whole. He is a brilliant guitar player...the combination of fine thoughtful lyrics, strong melodies and a clever musical cast make "The Fence" a strong album..."The Fence" takes its well-deserved place on the Euro Americana Chart...--Staffan Solding, Rootsy
Link to review: www.rootsy.nu/recension.php?id=1952
Rootstime (Belgium)
Following five years after his debut album ‘Last Man Standing’, the Houston-based veteran folksinger-songwriter Brian Kalinec returns in the spotlights with his new album ‘The Fence’... a collection of beautiful and melodic folk songs... the roots of Texan Brian Kalinec are clearly audible and if you want to compare him, then you can think of artists like James Taylor and Jim Croce, who both also made career as storytelling singers...--Freddy Celis, Rootstime
Link to review: www.rootstime.be
Roots Music Report (US)
The new Americana/Roots album released from Berkalin Records featuring Brian Kalinec is making radio dj’s turn up their studio headsets.
Brian Kalinec is one of the most creative songwriters from the Texas music scene we have heard this year at Roots Music Report. All 12 tracks on his new album “The Fence” are simply wonderful to listen to.
There is something special about listening to songs by a singer of this caliber that seem to invite the listener into the private life and thoughts of the songs creator Brian Kalinec. You can actually become part of these songs if you close your eyes and let Brian lead you on a wonderful melodic trip of your own.
Good music is something to be revered and this new album is one that is.
Yes I must say “Revered” says it all. Robert Bartosh, Roots Music Report
Link to review: http://rootsmusicreport.com/index.php?page=reviews&search=single&id=451
Real Roots Cafe (Netherlands)
Brian Kalinec is a born and bred Texan (Beaumont, Houston), and grabbed by music at a very young age. His thing is to write songs, for which he has won the requisite prizes and received much recognition. After 'Last Man Standing' in 2007, 'The Fence' its successor, is a very good CD from a real troubadour, a man who knows how to pen a good song. No lack of inspiration, his own insecurities and struggles with life are in fact sufficient "Demons falling down "( You've seen me at my worst, but you're still hanging around, I've become uncursed see those demons falling down ), "Paint "(I'm gonna paint these walls in a pearly white or maybe yellow as sun. I need a change of view so I'm gonna paint them bright, I'm tired of living with this lonely shade of blue, a little paint might get me over you), " Stranger in this line" and "Nowhere at all", but he also sees some things around him: "Uncle Joe" is an ode to the hard working outdoors, the 'stone cutter', the 'oil driller "and the 'truck driver '," Carla Moore" drawn in by her boyfriend's crime and accomplice to a robbery with deadly outcome...Brian has a nice voice, very in tune with his songs. The guidance is an important role for fiddler Jeff Duncan, percussionist Merel Bregante (late 70's was part of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), bassist Rankin Peters and multi-instrumentalist Patterson Barrett (mandolin, dobro, pedal steel). We also hear cello, trumpet, piano and synthesizer and a host of harmony vocalists. The music is folk, country, bluegrass and blues, a nice Americana mix accordingly. Brian Kalinec's 'The Fence' is a true singer-songwriter hit. Jewels of songs, texts that matter, beautifully played by a bunch of outstanding Texans, produced by Kalinec himself. Take a listen and you're sold...--Fred Schmale, Real Roots Cafe
Link to review: http://www.realrootscafe.com/2012/07/03/brian-kalinec-the-fence/
Le Cri Du Coyote (France)
Brian Kalinec is one of those many hidden treasures that Texas allows us to discover, little by little. A renowned songwriter on the Houston scene, he waited until 2007 to publish his first album, Last Man Standing. He benefits from what is here for me the most beautiful of presentations, a note of introduction by Tom Pacheco. To be honored by one of the most honest and most sincere songwriters, it is not nothing! The authenticity of Brian Kalinec is no way inferior to that of Tom, everything is simple and natural. The songs, from the first listen, appear to have always been part of our universe. Tom Pacheco refers to James Taylor (Sweet Baby time James) and Woody Guthrie. And it's true that we find the calm assurance and sense of melody of the first and the timelessness of second. The album is acoustic, and the violin of Jeff Duncan particularly stands out. Note the presence on percussion of Merel Bregante, who formerly served with Loggins & Messina and the Dirt Band. In addition to his writing talent, Brian Kalinec reveals he is also a man of taste as evidenced by rediscovery to conclude the disk with "A Song I Heard" by Maury Muehleisen, songwriter and guitarist for Jim Croce with whom he was killed in an accident airplane in 1973. --Sam Pierre, Le Cri du Coyote
altcountryforum.nl (The Netherlands)
The album "The Fence" the Texas singer-songwriter Brian Kalinec shone proudly in the June edition of the Euro Americana Charts. A list of twenty-five albums is composed each month by critics, broadcasters and promotional staff. (The Fence) is recently promoted by its Swedish distribution company with Peter Holmstedt Hemifran the European promotion of American interests. As there are people who spread the gospel, so is the objective of "Good Music For All People" is paramount to the likeable Swede. None other than Tom Pacheco wrote for "The Fence" liner notes as appropriate praise, not too high seized: "In this 100th anniversary of Woody Guthrie's birth, these songs resonate in our own times. I'm sure Woody would have loved them. Brian sings, writes, and plays so seamlessly That it feels these songs have always been there. "--Johan Shoenmakers, altcountryforum
Link to review: www.altcountryforum.nl/2012/07/01/18610/
mi2n Review: Americana/Folk Singer/Songwriter Brian Kalinec's Single "Nowhere At All"
Award-winning Houston, Texas based Americana/folk singer/songwriter Brian Kalinec's single, "Nowhere At All" from his new CD The Fence is a quality song that reflects on living life, and the things that matter - the simple things. Encouraging us not to take anything for granted, the song is beautifully composed and arranged, and features a nice small string section, and lyrical solo violin. There's steel string guitar with a beautiful finger style, and tasteful use of a shaker and percussion. The mix is not in your face, and the lead vocal weaves the lyrics with solid harmonies along with 2 other singers. The female's voice compliments the lead singer nicely. The drums keep it flowing tightly with a great arrangement. "Nowhere At All" is the kind of song that you'll want to listen to repeatedly, and will definitely pique your interest in hearing the full CD. This one is both musically and lyrically strong, and is solid throughout.
Link to review: http://mi2nmusic.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/review-americanafolk-singersongwriter-brian-kalinecs-single-nowhere-at-all/
Email: editor@mi2n.com
REVIEWS FOR LAST MAN STANDING—2007
AmericanaUK--2008
AmericanaUK--Brian Kalinec "Last Man Standing"-- July 31, 2008--reviewed by Michael Mee
Straight from the heart acoustic magic If ever a musician was in the perfect place musically, it has got to be Houston singer-songwriter Brian Kalinec with Last Man Standing.
Somehow it's difficult to imagine him playing anything other than the acoustic magic that runs through the album like a golden thread. However, Kalinec is no fresh-faced young poet, he began playing guitar aged 10 and that was 32 years ago.
Last Man Standing is certainly the album of a mature performer, a series of gentle but precisely observed stories. While Kalinec is undoubtedly a skilled and sympathetic guitarist, it is apparent that song writing is his first love and he is one those natural storytellers who can fire the imagination.
The acoustic blues of Last Man Standing is performed without fuss or unnecessary frivolity, Kalinec's music is as unadorned as it is beautiful. The real surprise is that it has taken him 30 years to get his songs recorded - Last Man Standing is his debut - given the quality it can only be by choice that the man who wrote the superb The Book I Can't Put Down, hasn't been in a studio on his own accord before.
One of the real appeals of Last Man Standing is its honest humility, the title song and I Don't Know are written from the heart of an intelligent man. Brian Kalinec is no disinterested bystander he is an integral part of every note and lyric.
Last Man Standing is something of a throwback, recalling a time when singer songwriters wrote from the heart and personal, often bitter, experience. You don't need to be told to realise that this is a deeply personal journey for Brian Kalinec.
We've become so programmed to expect fireworks, twists and turns with our music like extras with a pizza, that when someone comes along and plays it as straight as Brian Kalinec, it is a shock to the system but a very welcome one.
Date review added: Thursday, July 31, 2008
Reviewer: Michael Mee
Reviewers Rating: 8 out of 10
“Incredibly intelligent songwriting along with a mellow voice and excellent guitar playing make Brian a wonder to listen to…”-JOANNE SPROTT, host, Harmony Coffeehouse
“ ‘Last Man Standing’ is a coffee-house kind of thinker from Beaumont native Brian Kalinec…he’s Houston-based now, with this new CD reflecting thoughts on good, honest men, love and tough relationships.”-DARRAGH DOIRON, Port Arthur News
“…he has a deft touch with a lyric and an above-average amount of wise leavening gained in the school of experience and living...” -WILLIAM MICHAEL SMITH, writer, Rockzilla, and Houston Press
“Brian’s songs and arrangements are real gems…every one of them.”- KEN GAINES, host, Songwriter’s Night at Anderson Fair