There must be something in the Pacific Northwest’s water or air because it just seems to be today’s mecca of talented musical folk. From bands like The Head and the Heart to Starfucker, this region in North America is continually producing some great bands and artists, as well as being the home of some. Originally from Santa Cruz, folk singer-songwriter Bryan John Appleby now calls Seattle home, thus joining the ranks of the ever-talented PNW musicians.
I was looking into who was opening for The Head and the Heart on the fall tour and found that it would be Appleby. Having never heard of him before, I did what any other person would do and did a Google search. I landed on Appleby’s Bandcamp page and seconds into my first listen of “Noah’s Nameless Wife,” I was hooked. The beginning of the song starts with a singular guitar and some beautiful instrumentals, and when Appleby started singing, I just felt so many different emotions. Awe, pain, sadness – the raw emotion just poured out from the song and into me. I knew then that I had stumbled upon something great.
As I listened to Appleby’s album, Fire on the Vine (released in July 2011), I couldn’t help but wonder why so many others have yet to hear of this talented man. He’s absolutely brilliant and he’s got the work to show for it. Appleby’s vocals float so beautifully above all of the other sounds and instrumentals. His lyrics are deep and poignant, showing off his talents as a storyteller.
Bryan John Appleby, you have me hooked.
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