Surfer • Drew
Heilprin grew up in Santa Barbara and
moved to Southern California to pursue
music. Gail Salmo
Blue-Eyed
Son calm, laid back
By
Lesley Nickus
Online Forty-Niner
Diversions Editor
Drew Heilprin, creator of Blue-Eyed Son, recently released a new album under
Eenie Meenie Records. Currently residing in Venice Beach, his poetic sound
is portrayed in the music featured in the album “West of Lincoln.”
The album contains 12 songs, hand chosen by Heilprin on a surfing trip to Maui,
that have been written over the past seven years. The drummer on the album
is Scott McPherson and Koool G. Murder (of Eels and Scapegoat Wax) plays the
piano. The album also received engineering help from Doug Boehm (the Vines
and Elliot Smith).
At first glance, it is difficult to pin down what type of sound one could expect
to hear on his album. Once the music plays, however, a mixture of folky-pop
music and relaxed acoustic guitar with a Beatle-esque sound fills the air.
This is the kind of music you would expect to hear while taking a long road
trip.
Heilprin’s vocal quality, like the songs themselves, is quite relaxing.
The lyrics are poetic; he is quite well-versed. It is obvious his words portray
personal feelings and experiences. He also covers Bob Dylan’s song “I
Threw It All Away,” in his signature style. If you did not already know
it was a Dylan song, you might think it was original. This song includes string
instruments that give it a slightly more sophisticated sound.
In 2004, Blue-Eyed Son played KCRW’s “Next Up Festival” in
Santa Monica. This year, the band went on tour with Australian acoustic duo
Women in Docs. They returned this month from the Supersonic Festival in Tokyo,
they shared the stage with Weezer, Bloc Party, Death Cab for Cutie and Interpol.
Last week, they played at Pike Bar in Long Beach.
Overall, with enough exposure, Blue-Eyed Son is sure to have a strong following.
Heilprin is a supporter of protecting the environment. He participates in the “Heal
the Bay” organization to help with beach clean-up. A portion of his album
sales will go to the Ocean Conservancy.
|
