A 20-year veteran of the stage, St. Paul, Minnesota-based singer/songwriter, father and entrepreneur, Tim Cheesbrow, is so much more than a musician.
With a degree in music composition from St. John’s University, and hundreds of live performances under his belt, Tim used his knowledge of song to create a better world for the youth by founding the non-profit, Discover Music. This organization seeks to positively affect students lives through music. And, by the way, his music sales go directly to support the endeavor.
Though primarily performing as a solo artist, Tim occasionally calls on The Nomads for larger shows as well as studio work. The group currently consists of: Mike Arturi (percussion), John Wright (bass), Dan Neale (guitar), Toby Lee Marshall (keys), Sarah Morris and Katie Gearty (vocals), and Kevin Gastonguay (keys).
Having released five full-length solo albums, including Home in the Heartland (2013), and Bare Bones (2017), one of his recent projects, Somebody, Somewhere, has recently caught our attention.
Here’s what we dug most…
The nostalgic and cathartic, Empty Pack, has a classic Americana/Country-Rock sound, with a refreshingly substantive message of forgiveness to boot…
“Everything I thought I needed, was only covering me up
Every demon I defeated, found a way to stay in touch
Every way I been mistreated, I left somwhere on the tracks
Cuz there’s nothin’ like comin’ back with a full heart, and an empty pack…”
Long Way Around’s gentle acoustic arrangement and vocals have a James Taylor-esque sound and appeal.
Our Favorite Track…
Opening with a few acoustic chords followed gently by the right country licks, I Ain’t Going Anywhere takes us through the lighting-fast decades of the every-man’s life, and reminds us of what matters most, or perhaps, of the only thing that really matters…
“I don’t wanna wait, to see your face
When we were young, we had time to waste
We made too much, of things that faded away
The rest is yours, I ain’t goin’ anywhere…”
Cheesebrow shows his love of southern rock, complete with electric slide guitar, and church-choir background harmonies, in tracks like Blood On The Rails, and You Will Never Walk Alone.
Concluding with Black Powder Serenade, Tim and his Nomads exit in unexpected fashion, with a playful, mildly psychedelic number which sounds like it belongs on the soundtrack of Fear And Loathing In Los Vegas.
In Conclusion…
Tim Cheesebrow’s voice is both gentle and strong, vulnerable and confident in his album, Somebody, Somewhere, a delicately unassuming collection of songs which take their time and are a fine example of what can result when music is allowed to be molded carefully, crafted by hand, and guided by heart. Cheesebrow’s players, The Nomads, were allowed to express themselves uniquely in each song, finding their own way, yet always coming together to give each song exactly the support it needed. This is a solid Americana/country-rock album.
Whose lovechild..?
Zac Brown Band meets J.Bell & The Lazy Susan Band…
BELOW: Listen to Tim Cheesebrow album, Somebody, Somewhere, and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Tim Cheesebrow by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!