Richard Bicknell Reviews

Atlanta Journal Constitution

September 25, 1998

Local folk-rocker Richard Bicknell insists he wasn’t distracted during the four years it took to record “Mayflower,” the follow-up to his 1994 solo debut, “Sometimes Blue.”

“We took our time and did it right,” says the singer-songwriter based in Little Five Points.  But he admits that after that length of time, “it’s difficult to know what you’re going to end up with."

Bicknell says he spent the time honing original songs, poring over choices of songs to cover, and rounding up guest artists including acclaimed folkies Eric Taylor, Katy Moffatt and David Olney.  Taylor and Olney join Bicknell on Sunday at Smith’s Olde Bar to celebrate the release of “Mayflower.”  Taylor also performs at Eddies Attic on Saturday.

The four years were well spent. More ambitious and tuneful that the low-fi “Sometimes Blue,” “Mayflower” juxtaposes Bicknell’s evocative originals with swell versions of songs by Steve Forbert, Townes Van Zandt and others. A spiritual quest theme links many of the tunes. Bicknell describes “Jane Eyre’s Coat,” an early high point, as a “prayer for a l ong journey” and the last track, “Mercy Train,” as “a prayer for little bit of rest.”

A lot of the music I’m attracted to is about how hard life is,” Bicknell says.  “But I think the songs are hopeful. Most of the, anyway.”

-- Doug Hamilton

 This is the first page dedicated to Richard Bicknell

 ***

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

January 7, 1999

“Mayflower”
Grade: B+

Four years in the making, this second solo project from Atlanta singer-songwriter Richard Bicknell was well worth the wait. “Mayflower” finds Bicknell, the former frontman of the Lost Angels, in a wildly adventurous mood. He chooses his material wisely, combining his beautifully crafted roots-rock originals with covers of songs by musical heroes: Robin and Linda Williams, David Olney, Eric Taylor and others. The bonus? Olney and the others popped by the studio to lend their talents to the project. Through it all, Bicknell’s mournful vocals anchor everything with their rich, emotional rawness. Highlights include the reflective “Barrymore Remembers” and the gorgeous “Secret Remains.”

– Richard L. Eldredge

***

Singer-songwriter Richard Bicknell:

a voice of wide-open American spaces.

Also in the business of making music is Richard Bicknell, whose latest CD, “Sometimes Blue” (Exocet Records), is out in stores after a year and a half of hard work. I’m no music critic, in fact I’m not a critic at all. But after a few hours of listening to Bicknell I can tell you what I think. With just a hint of a twang, Bicknell sings about things that matter. Imagine taking a ride in a big convertible in some wide-open place. I can just see the video. And Bicknell is certainly heading in the right direction for that type of professional success. The one cover song on the CD is Nanci Griffith’s “Cradle of the Interstate,” so you get an idea of one of his influences.

– Peter Newton

Southern Voice

I don’t know which impresses me more, this guy’s deep powerful singing voice or his insightful choice of material.

With a voice that’s dark and expressive, this guy is enthralling whether he’s singing about lost love, empty highways, harbor towns or Drew Barrymore’s granpa – but especially the latter.

–Gregory Nicoll

Creative Loafing