ROOTS TOWN MUSIC (Belgium) Marc Nolis 

That's the way it is in Austin, whether you are a musician or active in computer technology. Bennett Brier is a 43-year-old songwriter who has been employed in Austin for 20 years as a programmer and now has found the time to develop himself as a songwriter.

He invited a number of his musician friends into the studio to capture his songs for all eternity. The album opens with a kind of "back to the '60s" song in a performance by Van Wilks, who really goes after the guitar. Then the unknown singer Deb Schnack appears with Unconditional Love. This lady has a wonderfully vibrating folk voice of which Melanie (no longer the youngest) should be very jealous. Then comes a happy up-tempo baby song (rather clinging) with the veritable fiddle wizard Richard Bowden. One of the nicest (pop) songs is Tender Flame with Van Wilks again playing a main part.

In Just Not the Same we find a surprising act, namely, Mister San Antonio: Joe King Carrasco. I don't know what they put in Carrasco’s drink, but I have never heard this rocker play so flat and uninspired. In addition, the country singer Christine Albert was invited. She offers a fine performance of the song Lost and Found with the help of fiddler Gene Elders. I mustn't forget the title number Anthem. A pretty love song interpreted by the (still unknown) singer Jeri Arsenault. (PJ)

Newcomer BENNETT BRIER is raising lots of eyebrows. A fine songwriter, Bennett also proved to be a very wise businessman. Instead of playing badly and singing off key, he hired first rate talent to sing and perform his songs for "Anthem".

His fresh approach to a songwriter's debut features outstanding artists from Texas and California performing the easy-to-cover works of lyricist, Bennett Brier, making this project the perfect resume for a publishing arrangement. Clearly, Bennett can write for more than one voice and more than one style.

Cut one, "Sweet Sixties Song" is a rocker performed flawlessly by guitar master VAN WILKS. It is an anthem on it's own for the gray-haired millions who recollect the hopefulness of the flower era. Paul McCartney could cover it just as easily. "

“Just Not The Same” is a stellar, outstanding rock song performed by Joe "King" Carrasco with punk pacing. I'm betting that if you slipped a loop under it, the baggy jeans and skateboard crowd could make it their own.

The striking and universal "Lost And Found" is beautifully sung by Christine Albert, who's forlorn voice is perfect for the minimally written and deeply moving piece. Dolly Parton could do it, Whitney Houston could even do it.

"Baby At My Knee", "Don't Say Goodbye" and more from this disc should certainly be in the hands of a publisher.

And I hear Bennett has more songs equally diverse. Expect to pick up many albums in the future and find his name in the credits.