Traditional folk music is generally culturally relevant, commemorating personal or historical events, and primarily best experienced in small groups as the singer recounts these tales.
St Paul native Tim Cheesebrow has captured the folk essence in his debut album, The Moments Between.
Cheesebrow uses an extensive musical background to compose soft melodies, allowing listeners to hone in on lyrics that, while personal, are also likely universal.
For example, most of us will see someone we love who has passed away in the song “Remember to Remember me” with lyrics like, “Lay me down where the grass grows so high,
Give me some wings, it’s my turn to fly, All I ever asked for your love, Is remember to remember me when I am gone.”
Folk fans will enjoy Cheesebrow’s honesty in songs like “Beautiful” when he sings, Why can’t I be beautiful just as I am, with all my imperfections intact? Some will say I’m a broken man, but God made me beautiful, and that’s what I am.”
Tim Cheesebrow’s experience ranges from rock, classical, jazz, and polka. He is the executive director for MusicWorks Minnesota, a non-profit that supports music education. It is apparent when listening to The Moments Between that Cheesebrow has talent both vocally and instrumentally.
Mr. Cheesebrow’s vocal style is similar to popular Americana singers, such as Toby Keith or Alan Jackson.
In true Americana fashion, Cheesebrow enunciates his lyrics as he sings about the “corny atmosphere” of Sever’s cornmaze, “the best part of the fall, and once they build it it’s come one come all.”
Instrumentally, and topically, his songs are reminiscent of traditional folk artists, such as James Taylor.
Like other Traditionalists, Tim Cheesebrow mixes guitar playing styles from alternate and sweep picking to strumming. In “Carousel,” the pick/strum combination entrances the listener to childhood memories of the slow vertical and horizontal motions of the Merry-Go-Round.
For Midwesterners, the highlight of The Moments Between will definitely by the upbeat tune “The Tomato Song.” Not only does this loving song share Cheesebrow’s memories of his grandmother’s garden, but gives us all something to remind us why we live in such a fertile part of the country - “the best bit of summer’s in the garden.”
As with many songs on this album, Mr. Cheesebrow does add an inspirational message to “The Tomato Song,” saying, “Now I know it’s not about the seeds you sow, but all the love you give to help them grow.”
While it is traditional in this genre to tell stories of overcoming hardship, inspirational messages can be overdone. Cheesebrow is cautious to not overdo his enthusiasm for a better world. However, a critical listener may not understand the need to spur an audience into enlightenment so much in one album.
Then, one considers the title of this album. The Moments Between. Everyone has had those times in both happy and sad times: waiting to hear from a loved one, waiting for the warmth of the sun, waiting for an end to suffering, waiting for the start of a new life together with one you love. All of that waiting make up the title of this album. During the wait, we comfort ourselves with encouragement. Tim Cheesebrow is simply giving us a story on life, the good, the bad, and those moments in between.
The Moments Between was released in September. Tim Cheesebrow has been touring around the Twin Cities in support of his album since then, with appearances in Stillwater, St Paul, and Mahtomedi. Check out Tim Cheesebrow Reverbnation page for more information, song samples, and information on how to purchase this album.
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