Morning Branches

Album review:

If there’s an award for Most Eclectic Local Album of the Year and Possibly Even the Decade, it will surely go to Geoff Oelsner for his new release, “Morning Branches.”

There is the unadorned informality of Geoff Oelsner, LCSW’s Dream and the theatrical pandemonium of Mad Tom’s Song. And there are some genuine folk songs delivered in Geoff’s engaging resonant baritone and liberally sprinkled with tasty acoustic instruments and harmony. Two of these songs, My Shady and Borderguards, I would put right up there with the best of Joan Baez or Peter, Paul & Mary.

More than those of most singer-songwriters, Geoff Oelsner’s lyrics read as poetry on the printed page…Oelsner, who once told me that he considers himself “a happy hand-puppet of the artistic process,” often gets song ideas, and even entire songs, from his dreams… Geoff Oelsner is especially attuned to this phenomenon and tries to honor it and be faithful to it when it occurs.

–Emily Kaitz, Fayetteville Free Weekly

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”Thanks so much for sending your most excellent ‘ Morning Branches ‘ CD……. I enjoyed it so much that I took my time and only reviewed 2 or 3 songs each day . I receive lots of top class music so its always a thrill to say that you are as good as it gets in my opinion…..plus your album is so filled with variety . Cheers for now…..and best of luck with this fine work of art.

Eddie RussellTexas DJ

”A serious bow to your magnificent effort on Morning Branches. It’s rare that the same depth and compassion I feel in your poetry is matched in excellence by your sweet and expressive voice and chord progressions and lyrical riffs, also of high quality …wow, all in one package … I thank you and the stars you were born under.

Eduardo SierraNevada City, CA Poet

”Hi Geoff, I want to thank you for good music you sent me and that perfectly fits my format. I really like your CD (especially the second half ), the songs and your voice . Perfect for the Frenchie!

Mike PenardFrench Roots Music DJ

”Hi Geoff, I want to thank you for good music you sent me and that perfectly fits my format. I really like your CD (especially the second half ), the songs and your voice . Perfect for the Frenchie!

Mike PenardFrench Roots Music DJ

”Your album is fantastic and we love your music. We already have a load of other tracks lined up for airplay. In fact, there are so many great tracks on your CD that it has been difficult to shortlist them for the show.

Tim & Terri-BBritish DJ’s

”This is a must have for any music lover! Every song is solid and substantial. Geoff’s voice is wonderful, he sings with such emotional intensity. He plays solid rhythm guitar, mountain dulcimer and shares vocal harmonies with his wife Leslie. Kelly produced this CD and it shows. His creativity is woven into each and every piece with a myriad of instruments and style. The poetry that is laced through out this work sets it apart from other CD’s in texture and tone. A highlight is a tribute to the Sufi poet, Rumi, with Keith Grimwood (Trout Fishing in America) on bowed bass. Donna Sterjna added fiddle to a cut as well.

Still on the Hill

More From Geoff Oelsner

Attunements For The Earth

Native Joy

Morning Branches

A Country Where All Colors Are Sacred and Alive

Ordinary Mystery