Scorpio and Me
Scorpio and Me was recorded and mixed at E.A.R. (East Austin Recording) Studios by James Stevens, assisted by Kyle Ratcliff, in Austin, Texas, during the summer of 2010. James Stevens and Stephen Doster co-own E.A.R., which was started in 2007. At E.A.R., they have produced releases by many musicians including Seth Walker, Carolyn Wonderland, Uncle Lucius, Midnight Towers, Betty Soo, and James Hyland.
Jay Sims produced this CD. Jay has produced many other musicians including his own two studio albums under his own Willing Records label - So Help Me (2000) and Half Souls and Heals (2008).
Scorpio and Me was mastered by Nick Landis at Terra Nova Digital Audio, in Austin, Texas. Many CDs and DVDs mastered at Terra Nova have received Gold or been Grammy-nominated, including releases by Marcia Ball, Santiago Jiminez, Jr., Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam, Lynrard Skynard, Eric Johnson, and Waylon Jennings.
Matt Eskey of Any and All Media, Austin, Texas, provided the CD manufacturing and replication service and assisted with graphic design. His clients include Asleep At The Wheel, Grupo Fantasma, Rosie Flores, Kinky Friedman, Sunny Sweeney, Jon Dee Graham, Vince Bell, and Band of Heathens. Matt also started and runs Freedom Records. Recent Freedom Records releases include CDs by Jon Dee Graham, Claire Small, Scrappy Jud Newcombe, and The Resentments.
Album art by Betty Littrell
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Musicians
Jay Sims - A native of Lubbock, Jay now makes his home in Wimberley, Texas. After playing his first gig at age 16, Jay has become a veteran of the Texas music scene as a singer, songwriter, studio musician, and producer. Jay recorded and produced his own two studio albums under his own Willing Records label - So Help Me (2000) and Half Souls and Heals (2008). Jay has worked with and shared stages with artists such as Shake Russell, Fred Eaglesmith, Dana Cooper, Gurf Morlix, Paul Pearcy, Richard Bowden, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Sarah Jarosz. He was nominated "Male Vocalist Of The Year" at the 2009 Texas Music Awards.
Stephen Doster - In 2016 Stephen Doster was inducted into the Texas Music Legends Hall of Fame. He is a lifelong singer, guitarist, record producer, and songwriter. His songs have been recorded by Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Double Trouble, Maren Morris, and more. Doster’s 2022 release, over the red sea, is his most internationally acclaimed record to date. He has produced over 70 records including Morris’ debut, Carolyn Wonderland, and Stanley Smith. He was the music director and guitarist for two early records with Nanci Griffith, as well as her debut Austin City Limits appearance. Over the course of his career, he has shared stages and recorded with a long and eclectic line of musical luminaries including Joe Cocker, Lyle Lovett, Gatemouth Brown, Mark O’Connor, Ricky Nelson, Ani DiFranco and Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, among many others. His latest album A Passing Train-A Compilation is getting rave reviews.
JM Stevens
The seasoned singer-songwriter, with no one to answer to, simply felt free and eager to “make the best music I can, where I am in this moment in time, and get it out in the world.”
Reviews
Mirjam Adriaans, folkfoum.nl
January 18, 2011 (The Netherlands)
Bennett Brier – Scorpio And Me
Bennett Brier has been a musician for over 30 years, has written over 150 songs, and did not release his debut CD, titled ANTHEM, until 1999. In late 2010, he has released his next CD, titled SCORPIO AND ME. Bennett wrote the songs on his new CD but leaves the performance to others. Jay Sims has a voice that at times is reminiscent of David Olney. Mr. Sims also plays guitar, supported by Stephen Doster’s strong lead guitar.
Human emotions are central in these songs – love, relationships, and, of course, disappointment. The songs are presented within basic arrangements, sometimes re-used. There’s nothing new in the music but the arrangements make for very enjoyable listening. I prefer the slightly rougher vocals, such as on songs like Anna Tennilee, Benediction, Worth Our While, and Just Not The Same. These are the most intense songs on the CD and more deeply reach me. Jay Sims’ production is a natural fit for the sober folk style of this music.
Fred Schmale, Real Roots, Cafe
March 2011 (The Netherlands)
Bennett Brier - Scorpio and Me
This CD is unique. Bennett Brier, a songwriter from Austin, Texas (he was born in Beaumont, Texas and grew up in Houston), released it, but his contribution are the songs but not the performance. The performance is in the hands of Jay Sims (also a Texan by birth), who produced it and
provides the vocals and guitar, along with the powerful Stephen Doster
(lead guitar and backup vocals). Occasionally we hear James Stevens
(who recorded and mixed the CD in Austin) also sing. Brier has been
writing songs for over 30 years and has now more than 150 to his name,
including 14 on this CD. Two songs are co-written, including 'Harijan' with Sims.
In 1999, Bennett released another CD of his songs called “Anthem”, on
which he collaborated with twelve others. Do not think that Bennett is not a musician, he used to perform in Austin as a member of The Stragglers.
Back to the new CD and, particularly, the songs. Brier writes songs that are
folkish, but with a pop edge. He calls his own style "contemporary folk"
and cites his main influences as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell,
Nanci Griffith, and Butch Hancock. After listening quite a few times, it is
obvious that Bennett's songs are greatly influenced by Butch Hancock.
Sims' sometimes gritty and pleasant voice, a man who has a long musical
history playing Texas music, and Doster's wonderful guitar playing are a delight for the ear. It takes some time for the songs to take root and but once they do, you will really enjoy them.
"Scorpio and me" is a true singer-songwriter product with the remarkable fact that the singer and songwriter are not a single person. More than 60 minutes of unique and pleasant music occurs, starring a great voice and a first-rate guitar. Too bad the lyrics are not included in the CD package, this would add to the pleasure. I've not found them on the Internet.*
(Fred Schmale)
* Bennett's comment - Fred overlooked my website address when
he wrote his review.
Leo van Bergen, draft review for Rootstime
January 2011, (Belgium)
Bennett Brier – Scorpio And Me
From Austin, Texas comes songwriter Bennett Brier (he was born in Beaumont, Texas and spent his childhood in Houston). When he was 17 years old, Bennett was inspired to learn guitar and write songs by his idol Bob Dylan.
At the end of last year Bennett released only his second album with "Scorpio and Me" (after his 1999 debut album "Anthem"). The special thing about this album is that Bennett does not perform on it. He wrote all 14 songs - but the numbers are performed by his good friends Jay Sims (vocals, guitar and producer) and Stephen Doster (lead guitar and background vocals). Jay Sims has two CDs under his own name and in 2009 was nominated as "Male Vocalist Of The Year" at the Texas Music Awards. Guitarist Stephen Doster's songs have been recorded by great artists such as Dr. John and Willie Nelson. He has collaborated with include Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett and Charlie Sexton. Stephen Doster released a CD in 2010 that he made with Bill Carter and Will Sexton.
Jay Sims, who also played on Bennett’s first album, has a pleasant, slightly husky voice that perfectly fits the narrative of the songs. The title track "Scorpio And Me" is instantly one of the highlights: a handsome, sensitive folk-rock song. The production of Jay Sims is crystal clear and so is the flawless guitar playing of Stephen Doster. Unfortunately, the level of the title song is not maintained: the drawn-out "Anna Tennilee" is too wordy and babbles on, as does "Harsh Unto My Eyes". Too many songs on the CD have the same rhythm and structure and are interchangeable. it's difficult to keep full attention during a few songs.
Bennett Brier proves, however, that he can write beautiful songs: "Harijan" with its subtle guitar lines is downright handsome; "Right Time Forever" and certainly "Outside My Window", with beautiful guitar playing, are his two best songs.
Bennett deserves the attention of lovers of folk-rock songs. Bennett Brier, who has been a songwriter for more than 30 years active and has written about 150 songs, proves that he has mastered the art. If he adds some more variety to his songs, his next CD will be a winner.
Lou
Jason Bennett Review
Fall has come to the Colorado rockies and I have been busy doing two things: gazing at the colorful aspen landscapes and listening to the new album by Austin, Texas songwriter Bennett Brier, “Scorpio and Me.” The album is a gem of a find. Brier turns over his songs to the extremely talented Jay Sims, creating a win-win performance of some finely-tuned songs. The catchy-as-hell opening title track, “Scorpio and Me”, opens the gates for some very cool twists and turns. “Wanna Try Just to Miss You” sounds like it could have been co-written by Bob Dylan and John Hiatt. You can’t escape the chorus on this one. The folksy “Right Time Forever” is a peaceful love song so simple and sweet it reminds me of some of those early Woody Guthrie love songs. Just a matter of time until two people get married to this song!
Bennett Brier definitely found a perfect match for his songs in Jay Sims. This is a very cool project indeed. Hell, as a performing songwriter myself, I may just turn over my next batch of songs to Jay! This album is a very cohesive and well-crafted work. I look forward to more from Mr. Brier.
Jason Bennett
Eleven Mile Records
bennettfolk.com
Johan Schoenmakers - AltCountryForum
Bennett Brier – Scorpio and Me
[Translation] Bennett Brier is a poet and songwriter on the CD "Scorpio and Me". Like on his debut CD "Anthem", from 1999, he received help from some very good musicians. Bennett does not sing or perform on his new album because he feels others can provide the sensitive touch. Jay Sims and Stephen Doster, respectively, take the vocals and the guitar work on his behalf. Jay is known for his folk music and released two country CD's "So Help Me" (2000) and "Half Souls and Heals" (2008). Jay has performed with other artists such as Fred Eaglesmith, Gurf Morlix and Dana Cooper. Guitarist Stephen Doster has played on records by such Dr. John, Charlie Sexton and Nanci Griffith.
Jay Sims - a man with a dark brown voice - sings the strong storytelling lyrics brilliantly. Stephen Doster is very economical with his sensitive and refined guitar playing, making the collection of fourteen songs into an intimate experience.
"Scorpio and Me" is a hit. The intelligent, beautiful and heartbreaking songs are reduced to their bare essence, so the music moves towards the boundaries of folk. Fourteen songs give a lot of room to Jay's voice, Stephen's concise guitar playing, and Bennett Brier’s strong lyrics. "Scorpio and Me" is a collection of nothing but sensitive, raw and magical moments, from the exceptionally beautiful title track until the penetrating "Joined Unto Thee” merge into an intriguing, united whole.
Valere Sampermans, Rootstime
January 2011 (Belgium)
An album every ten years is how often we get a new work by songwriter Bennett Brier out on the market. In 1999 he released his first album titled "Anthem" and at the end of 2010, Bennett released a successor titled "Scorpio And Me".
The Beaumont, Texas-born composer has lived for some time in Austin, Texas. Over the past 30+ years he wrote more than 150 songs and became a member of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). His compositions reflect that, at an early age, he was inspired by the poetic power and timelessness of the songs of Bob Dylan.
Bennett Brier’s songs tend to mostly lean to the contemporary folk scene but subtle elements of blues, country, rock and pop music are never far away. The most striking characteristic on his albums is that he does not sing or play his songs. Rather he leaves them in the hands of talented musicians and singers. On his first album these musicians included Christine Albert, Richard Bowden, Joe "King" Carrasco, Jay Sims and his daughter Jessica.
On the new album "Scorpio And Me", a collection of 14 songs written by Bennett Brier, his songs are all sung by the successful Texan singer-songwriter Jay Sims - who also produced the album. The instrumental accompaniment is exclusively acoustic guitar by Mr. Sims and Stephen Doster. This is a very basic album with simple music focused on the lyrics.
It is a collection of highly listenable songs with meaningful lyrics and excellent vocal work from Mr. Sims, whose voice reminded us of Neil Diamond’s. Our favorite songs are the title track "Scorpio And Me ', the wonderful "Harijan" (Hindustani term meaning "children of God”), the emotive "Free Your Little Boy", a story on the loneliness after the breakdown
of a love affair told in "Harsh Unto My Eyes", the intimate love song "Right Time Forever", the hopeful "Baby, You'll Only Do Good" and the beautifully sung outlet "Joined Unto Thee".
One slight problem for us was that there is too little variation in song styles. Many of the songs sound so alike and threaten to start sounding monotonous. But the songs themselves are individually musical gems. We therefore prefer to pick out some songs to play instead of the whole CD. But talented poet and composer Bennett Brier found in Jay Sims a singer who brought the right expression and emotion to these songs. This is a real achievement for both men.
Dani Heyvaert, Beale Street
January 2011 (Belgium)
Bennett Brier – Scorpio And Me
Songwriting is quite a profession. Too often, we, the average listener, think that the same person both writes and sings a song. The story of Bennett Brier teaches us (again) that this is not always so. Bennett, a seasoned songwriter with 30 years of songwriting experience and over 150 published songs, does not think he is the right person to record his songs. So, he “loans” them to others to perform.
On his previous album, titled ANTHEM, he had musicians like Christine Albert, Joe "King" Carrasco, Gene Elders and Jay Sims perform his songs. Now, 10 years later, there is a sequel and this time only Jay Sims is behind the microphone. Jay also plays guitar and is accompanied by Stephen Doster and James Stevens.
That Bennett waited so long to release an album of new songs shows that he is the type of songwriter to work hard to find the perfect situation. The result is fourteen diamonds. Jay Sims, as we know, is a very good singer and his voice perfect for Brier’s numbers. From the opening track you know this is right – the songs are really good and Jay is a singer who can sing the phone book and make it sound great. The second song “Anna Tennillee” is a magnum opus, a narrative, rather slow song like something from David Olney; in almost eight minutes the entire human condition is explained in detail. What one man faces in life is described in just six hundred seconds.
Our personal favorite is “Benediction”, a number that we’ve played at our house numerous times with speakers blaring. We can go on and on since this album’s other songs are similarly good.
So, praise for both Bennett Brier the writer and Jay Sims the singer. Over an hour, these two make it quite clear that it is fine if you can write but don’t sing your songs. There are many other songwriters who should follow this example. Oh, one more thing, many writers would auction off their fingers to write a song like “Joined Unto Thee”!
Benny Metten, Cntl Alt Country Ezine
September 2010 (Belgium)
* = Thanks, but no thanks! - ** = Mediocre… - *** = Just plain good stuff. **** = Very good indeed! - ***** = Absolutely brilliant!!
SONGS BY BENNETT BRIER “Scorpio And Me” (Bennettsongs Music) (3,5****)
Bennett Brier seems to want only the best for his songs. Rather than singing them himself, he let others sing them, in his name. It might seem weird, but is works fine. That was also the case with his in 1999 debut “Anthem”, which contained, among others, Van Wilks, Christine Albert, Jay Sims, Gene Elders, Joe “King” Carrasco and Bennett’s daughter Jessica. This is also the case with the “Scorpio and Me” songs. Jay Sims produced this second Brier CD, which was recorded with three musicians. Sims, in 2009 nominated as “Male Vocalist Of The Year” at the Texas Music Awards, sang and played some guitar. Stephen Doster, a respected songsmith himself, played lead guitar and provided backup vocals, and James Stevens did some vocal support. The result of their mutual efforts is an exceptionally enjoyable collection of mostly simple songs, which we would describe best as Americana and folk, although elements from genres like pop, rock and blues certainly have found their way to “Scorpio And Me”. With the pleasant gritty voice of Sims this time as the biggest trump card, Brier hoped, we think, to make his words and music part of ‘something timeless’ about himself. And that mission is accomplished. The fourteen songs on “Scorpio And Me” could stay with us for a very long time. That’s why we carefully dare to recommend this disc to fans of artists like Townes Van Zandt, Butch Hancock, David Olney, Eric Taylor and Robert Earl Keen.
Mike Penard, France - ISA Radio
Lhuis, France
Bonjour Bennett
Merci beaucoup for the good music...it made my day...I love the good songs , and the very nice musical arrangements behind the sweet voice ... you can be proud of these new recordings , there is a good spirit all along the album, artists like you are precious , you contribute to keep music as a popular form of art...far from the music industry...it exactly why your music sounds true...keep the spirit...
Take care and merci
Mike
Darius Rips, Oliver Di Place, Musings on music, New Discoveries and Old Favorites
November 18, 2010
I have been reviewing albums here for almost two years now, and I have collected albums for far longer than that. But here is a situation I have never encountered before. Scorpio and Me is the new album by Bennett Brier, bur Brier does not play or sing a single note on it. I researched, and I discovered that Brier has done this once before. Anthem came out in 1999. On that album, a variety of artists performed Brier’s songs, and I think they did pretty much whatever they wanted with them. So Anthem has some folk, some rock, some songs that are on the country side; it’s something of a hodgepodge. But Scorpio and Me is another matter. Brier basically doesn’t record his own songs because he feels that he can not get them to sound how they do in his head. On Scorpio and Me, Jay Sims and Stephen Doster set aside their egos, and give Brier the sound he was looking for.
Jay Sims plays rhythm acoustic guitar, and provides a solid foundation for these songs. Sims also provides the vocals, singing in a baritone that can be smooth or have a scratch in it, as the song requires. Stephen Doster plays lead acoustic guitar, and his lines and solos eloquently comment on Brier’s words and Sims’ delivery of them. And that’s it for arrangements. The two guitars both have steel strings, and there are no other instruments. The songs are mostly midtempo, so there isn’t a lot of variation in the sound. Scorpio and Me is a collection of fourteen songs, totaling just over
an hour of music, and its musical pleasures are subtle. This is not good driving music, but it certainly does reward close listening.
Then there are the words, and this explains why this album was made. Bennett Brier is a poet. The songs here tell stories, or parts of a longer story. Brier leaves blanks in the telling for his listeners to fill in. I will discuss what some of the songs are about, but I have no doubt that other listeners will here them differently. For me, the fulcrum of the album is the song Harsh Unto My Eyes. The songs before this tell of stormy relationships and breakups. Anna Tennilee has a narrator who was pulled away from the woman he loves by the demands life, and now he returns, only to find her gone; he tries to pick up her trail, but the outcome is uncertain. Don’t Do Those Things You Do isn’t a breakup song, but it has the tone of one. It isn’t clear why the narrator wants to stay. Interspersed with these are some songs of encouragement or faith, but these don’t relate to the relationship per se. One of these is Harijan. I was unfamiliar with the term, so I looked it up. Dalits is a term that is used in India and Pakistan to refer to an underclass caste that was considered unsuitable for relationships; Gandhi, however, called such people Harijan, which means “children of God”. So Harijan the song is about breaking down barriers to let love through. Harsh Unto My Eyes starts with the narrator contemplating a winter scene that reflects his emotions; he is in mourning for a relationship that seems dead. But halfway through the song, something happens to him; he thinks back to a spring scene when the relationship was better, and he remembers seeing the birds. For the last two verses, it is winter again, but now the narrator has become a bird himself. He thinks of flying away, but can not decide to where. The song ends with him in the cold nest, but with new hope. This looks strange in print, but remember that Brier is a poet; he makes it work beautifully. The remaining songs on the album are about how the relationship is saved. There are rough spots, but there are also eloquent expressions of love. Baby You’ll Only Do Good mirrors Don’t You Do Those Things You Do, but the anger in the earlier song is now replaced with faith and encouragement. The album ends with Joined Unto Thee which quietly celebrates the newly cemented relationship, but does not take anything for granted. It’s a happy ending, but a realistic one as well.
It all adds up to a wonderful piece of storytelling. I will look forward to the next cycle of songs from Bennett Brier. And I will be looking to find out more about Jay Sims and Stephen Doster.
Remo Ricaldone, Planet Country
Bennett,
I just want to express my compliments for the songs you shared with 'Scorpio And Me', an album full of tasteful and inspiring songs. Jay Sims' production is simply but effective and the songwriting fits perfectly what I consider top class roots music....
I'll add the cd to my playlist and I'll keep you informed on any other exposure I'll be able to give to the disc.
All my best,
Remo Ricaldone, Italy
Planet Country