"Cletus Kennelly wields a mean 12-string acoustic
and writes a moving tune…the earnest and true kind." (Eric
Brace, Washington Post)
"What makes Cletus great is Cletus. He has a way of connecting to the audience directly, and the rich quality of his voice is so effective, he doesn’t need a band behind him." (Ray Ruskin, Kensington Coffee House Concert Series)
"Cletus Kennelly is able to pan for nuggets of lyrical gold." (Chris Slattery, Gazette Newspapers)
FAN REVIEWS
Cletus Kennelly's Thread is, without doubt, the best CD I have ever heard. Of the hundreds that I own, no CD can compare with the beauty and depth of Thread. Cletus begins by drawing the listener to each song with his stunning melodies and gripping 12-string guitar. What makes this CD so special though, is Cletus' fascinating ability to take heartfelt stories and weave them throughout each song using precise and moving lyrics. This ability to indirectly communicate serious and heartfelt issues is both intriguing and moving. Do yourself a huge favor and get a copy of Thread. Not only will you be uniquely touched by stunningly beautiful music that contains tremendous depth and power, but you'll also be helping to ensure that this special and wonderful musician will be able to share his equally touching new songs that many of us have already heard performed live many times. If you think that this is only one person's opinion, you'll be delighted to learn that I've had the pleasure to meet many of Cletus' fans who are equally moved by Thread. Indeed, they have known for some time what a new fan like me has just discovered. Enjoy...
(Larry Paccone, Tysons Corner, VA)
I discovered Cletus and his music at a local coffeehouse, and I go to his shows whenever I can. He is the complete package: a sensitive lyricist, a gifted musician, an engaging performer, and a really nice person. Thread is a highly enjoyable collection of songs beautifully performed by Cletus with the backing of some wonderful local musicians. I look forward to his next CD, because the newer songs he plays live are just as great as those on his first disc.
(A music fan from Northern Virginia)
The lyrics are clever. the songs are poetic and meaningful. they touch on a wide range of themes. This cd is about life. When I listen to Thread I feel more alive, so, naturally, I listen to it all the time!
(kathleencoogan, rio de janeiro, brazil )
Cletus Kennelly's songs are articulate gems full of poetry that is both poignant and phonetic. Blessed with one of the most elegant, striking male vocals anywhere, Kennelly adds energy with complex rhythmic motifs that seem to emerge effortlessly from his 12-string guitar. If you like a song to communicate with you immediately, and you like it to say something new upon each listening, Cletus is the songwriter for you. If you like a vocal that soars gently, Cletus is the singer for you.
As for the Cletus Kennelly album, Thread:
This is a rare CD that is true to the performer, but that doesn't let any of his strengths go unnoticed. A perfect blend of the natural acoustic sound with high energy production-lead vocals always in front, harmonies always blended perfectly and articulated with great rhythmic integrity, additional instruments (bass, percussion etc.) always present, but never intrusive. Not even to this folk-music-enthusiast reviewer.
1000 stars to Thread.
(Brian Gundersdorf, We're About Nine, Catonsville, MD)
The CD Thread from Cletus Kennelly brings fresh, crisp harmony to surprising content of life experiences - whether it is deep love, searing jolts, illuminating insight, storytelling, or soul commentary. The weaving of music and words intertwine the deep reflections of unpeeled realities with a sense of the inclusion and continuity of life, splashed with the juicy spurts of its very being.
Guitars, percussions, and vocal backups blend into the fabric in its varying parts with zest, smooth synchronicity, exclamation, and haunting echoes where appropriate.
And the echoes will stay with you! Take this one home!
(Janice, Germantown, MD)
Thread is a rich mix of lyrics and melodies that move and provoke. Cletus' lyrical abilities are remarkable. He finds images and phrases that make life's realities even more vivid. His melodies take the listener with them. The songs on this cd stay with you. Cletus finds a way to write about real things, both joyful and sorrowful. Perhaps this cd's real-ness is its strength.
(Joseph Ross, Washington, DC)
Kennelly's music is powerful stuff -- beautiful and thought-provoking. His voice is versatile and ranges from heartbreaking (One and the Same) to raw (Colorado) and passes through almost every stage in between. His songs are accessible and cover a variety of topics (not just unrequited love as with many singer/songwriters) -- check out his terrific song about Christopher Columbus as a child!
You'll enjoy his voice, his guitar playing, his lyrics, and the musical arrangements and harmonies. Really! Whatever my mood, I always seem to gravitate towards this CD. I want you to enjoy it as well. A must-have for discerning music-lovers!
(Jennifer Reese, Los Angeles, CA )
Cletus Kennelly is a premier songwriter with a great voice and a talent for getting to the essence of the characters in songs. In this way, many of his tunes are like short stories or novellas set to music. I especially love Cletus's imaginative tune Christopher, in which he supposes what Columbus would have been like as a child. Also, No Roses gets right to the heart of a woman in a fading relationship. After one listen-through, you will find yourself singing along with this CD and wanting more.
(Rachel Cross from Takoma Park, MD)
This C.D. of Cletus Kennelly's is one of my favorite so far this year and last year! "Thread" had me hooked at the first listen. The vocals are beautiful and strong. The words are fascinating. The music is mesmerizing and very exciting. I bet I listened to it 3 times a day for the first 3 months! My favorite songs? Gun Shy Girl, Let It Rain, Looking for Superman, Boy, Jesse Knows, and One And The Same. I can't wait for the next Cletus Kennelly endeavor! Big Cletus Fan Here.
(Lori Kelley from Centreville,VA )
This CD is excellent - Cletus is exceptionally talented. Try him - I guarantee that you will feel like you have discovered something rare and wonderful.
(Sally G, Silver Spring, MD)
Cletus Kennelly has the rare talent of touching your soul with his music. His lyrics are heart-felt and disturbingly moving. His music spans the age barriers as my 9 and 12 year old daughters also appreciate his style and request his CD over those their friends are listening to (thank God)... I look forward to much more of the same.
(Katie, Bethesda, MD)
I heard Cletus's song about September 11th. It moved me more than any other song I have ever heard. I bought the CD, and I was so great that I am surprised I have not seen him on VH1 yet. Anyone who likes folk music will love this CD.
(Richie "c", Long Island)
Thread practically lives in my stereo, even though I get to see Cletus play live all the time. Its songs range from affecting to nostalgic to thought-provoking. Wonderful guitar-playing, excellent vocals, and a wealth of backing talent (all local) make these well-written and always interesting songs shine. A winner of an album...I'm waiting for the next one!
(Melissa, Alexandria, VA)
"What makes Cletus great is Cletus. He has a way of connecting to the audience directly, and the rich quality of his voice is so effective, he doesn’t need a band behind him." (Ray Ruskin, Kensington Coffee House Concert Series)
"Cletus Kennelly is able to pan for nuggets of lyrical gold." (Chris Slattery, Gazette Newspapers)
FAN REVIEWS
Cletus Kennelly's Thread is, without doubt, the best CD I have ever heard. Of the hundreds that I own, no CD can compare with the beauty and depth of Thread. Cletus begins by drawing the listener to each song with his stunning melodies and gripping 12-string guitar. What makes this CD so special though, is Cletus' fascinating ability to take heartfelt stories and weave them throughout each song using precise and moving lyrics. This ability to indirectly communicate serious and heartfelt issues is both intriguing and moving. Do yourself a huge favor and get a copy of Thread. Not only will you be uniquely touched by stunningly beautiful music that contains tremendous depth and power, but you'll also be helping to ensure that this special and wonderful musician will be able to share his equally touching new songs that many of us have already heard performed live many times. If you think that this is only one person's opinion, you'll be delighted to learn that I've had the pleasure to meet many of Cletus' fans who are equally moved by Thread. Indeed, they have known for some time what a new fan like me has just discovered. Enjoy...
(Larry Paccone, Tysons Corner, VA)
I discovered Cletus and his music at a local coffeehouse, and I go to his shows whenever I can. He is the complete package: a sensitive lyricist, a gifted musician, an engaging performer, and a really nice person. Thread is a highly enjoyable collection of songs beautifully performed by Cletus with the backing of some wonderful local musicians. I look forward to his next CD, because the newer songs he plays live are just as great as those on his first disc.
(A music fan from Northern Virginia)
The lyrics are clever. the songs are poetic and meaningful. they touch on a wide range of themes. This cd is about life. When I listen to Thread I feel more alive, so, naturally, I listen to it all the time!
(kathleencoogan, rio de janeiro, brazil )
Cletus Kennelly's songs are articulate gems full of poetry that is both poignant and phonetic. Blessed with one of the most elegant, striking male vocals anywhere, Kennelly adds energy with complex rhythmic motifs that seem to emerge effortlessly from his 12-string guitar. If you like a song to communicate with you immediately, and you like it to say something new upon each listening, Cletus is the songwriter for you. If you like a vocal that soars gently, Cletus is the singer for you.
As for the Cletus Kennelly album, Thread:
This is a rare CD that is true to the performer, but that doesn't let any of his strengths go unnoticed. A perfect blend of the natural acoustic sound with high energy production-lead vocals always in front, harmonies always blended perfectly and articulated with great rhythmic integrity, additional instruments (bass, percussion etc.) always present, but never intrusive. Not even to this folk-music-enthusiast reviewer.
1000 stars to Thread.
(Brian Gundersdorf, We're About Nine, Catonsville, MD)
The CD Thread from Cletus Kennelly brings fresh, crisp harmony to surprising content of life experiences - whether it is deep love, searing jolts, illuminating insight, storytelling, or soul commentary. The weaving of music and words intertwine the deep reflections of unpeeled realities with a sense of the inclusion and continuity of life, splashed with the juicy spurts of its very being.
Guitars, percussions, and vocal backups blend into the fabric in its varying parts with zest, smooth synchronicity, exclamation, and haunting echoes where appropriate.
And the echoes will stay with you! Take this one home!
(Janice, Germantown, MD)
Thread is a rich mix of lyrics and melodies that move and provoke. Cletus' lyrical abilities are remarkable. He finds images and phrases that make life's realities even more vivid. His melodies take the listener with them. The songs on this cd stay with you. Cletus finds a way to write about real things, both joyful and sorrowful. Perhaps this cd's real-ness is its strength.
(Joseph Ross, Washington, DC)
Kennelly's music is powerful stuff -- beautiful and thought-provoking. His voice is versatile and ranges from heartbreaking (One and the Same) to raw (Colorado) and passes through almost every stage in between. His songs are accessible and cover a variety of topics (not just unrequited love as with many singer/songwriters) -- check out his terrific song about Christopher Columbus as a child!
You'll enjoy his voice, his guitar playing, his lyrics, and the musical arrangements and harmonies. Really! Whatever my mood, I always seem to gravitate towards this CD. I want you to enjoy it as well. A must-have for discerning music-lovers!
(Jennifer Reese, Los Angeles, CA )
Cletus Kennelly is a premier songwriter with a great voice and a talent for getting to the essence of the characters in songs. In this way, many of his tunes are like short stories or novellas set to music. I especially love Cletus's imaginative tune Christopher, in which he supposes what Columbus would have been like as a child. Also, No Roses gets right to the heart of a woman in a fading relationship. After one listen-through, you will find yourself singing along with this CD and wanting more.
(Rachel Cross from Takoma Park, MD)
This C.D. of Cletus Kennelly's is one of my favorite so far this year and last year! "Thread" had me hooked at the first listen. The vocals are beautiful and strong. The words are fascinating. The music is mesmerizing and very exciting. I bet I listened to it 3 times a day for the first 3 months! My favorite songs? Gun Shy Girl, Let It Rain, Looking for Superman, Boy, Jesse Knows, and One And The Same. I can't wait for the next Cletus Kennelly endeavor! Big Cletus Fan Here.
(Lori Kelley from Centreville,VA )
This CD is excellent - Cletus is exceptionally talented. Try him - I guarantee that you will feel like you have discovered something rare and wonderful.
(Sally G, Silver Spring, MD)
Cletus Kennelly has the rare talent of touching your soul with his music. His lyrics are heart-felt and disturbingly moving. His music spans the age barriers as my 9 and 12 year old daughters also appreciate his style and request his CD over those their friends are listening to (thank God)... I look forward to much more of the same.
(Katie, Bethesda, MD)
I heard Cletus's song about September 11th. It moved me more than any other song I have ever heard. I bought the CD, and I was so great that I am surprised I have not seen him on VH1 yet. Anyone who likes folk music will love this CD.
(Richie "c", Long Island)
Thread practically lives in my stereo, even though I get to see Cletus play live all the time. Its songs range from affecting to nostalgic to thought-provoking. Wonderful guitar-playing, excellent vocals, and a wealth of backing talent (all local) make these well-written and always interesting songs shine. A winner of an album...I'm waiting for the next one!
(Melissa, Alexandria, VA)
