CD review: Danny Britt & Marvin Dykhuis – Two Guys, Two Guitars
Before anyone writes this off as ‘just another album from Austin’, they should give it a listen. True, the Austin scene produces an incredible number of releases each year – but this one is something special. Danny Britt and Marvin Dykhuis are exceptionally talented, veteran musicians and good friends, and the camaraderie generated by comfortable familiarity and the deep wells of talent from which they both draw are elements that are easily heard…and seen, if you ever have the good fortune to hear them perform in a live setting, as we did last Sunday. That show was just the two of them, completely acoustic, in the living room setting of a house concert – they also do shows with a full band.
The songs on this disc are mostly originals, penned by Danny or Marvin, sometimes with co-writers – the one cover is a great one, ‘High hill’, written by Champ Hood, and a widely-loved favorite from the repertoire of Austin’s own Uncle Walt’s Band. The songs deal with love found and lost, life on the road, friendship and loneliness and more – sometimes delivered in a straightforward manner, at other times (such as in Danny’s ‘My aim’s gettin’ better all the time’) with a healthy dose of humor. The album is a great example of truth in advertising – the title says it all: ‘Two guys, two guitars’. The production is clear and the arrangements are unadorned, allowing the quality and warmth of this music to shine through in a way that is not simply entertaining, but refreshing. Their guitar lines intertwine effortlessly and support each other with no egos getting in the way – the vocals are relaxed and smooth, and the harmonies are exquisite.
It’s very obvious that these two are having a blast making this music. It’s equally enjoyable for the listener, and has to be heard to be appreciated. Check out the Red Dawg Music website below for lyrics, pics and more information…and listen to the samples below for an idea of how great this duo sounds…and by all means, see them live if you get the chance. You won’t be disappointed.
That’s the lot of a ramblin’ man