After two years on the club circuit

Brendan Odonnell's "First"

After two years on the club circuit, New York based singer/songwriter Brendan O'Donnell arrives with "First", a blend of honest singing and powerful storytelling.

Backed ably by bassist Carlton Collier, drummer Gray Legere and violinist Marco Vitalli, O'Donnell's lean vocals have a delicate timber sometime occasionally reminiscent of Tracy Chapman. His 10 songs are full of mellow epiphanies, optimistic energy and intense personal exploration-and there are some gems. Notably the catchy "Elaine", the lyrical "Concrete Wave" and the spare "This Life".

Dave Mathews Band comparisons are likely because of O'Donnell's high register and Vitalli's soaring violin. But O'Donnell has a real chance to carve out his own folk-rock niche.

Three Stars-Alex Van Krogh