South of the South

This is a perversely American record full of sentimentality, contempt, humor, and lust - a pissed off yet hopeful statement from a man who knows that the life of a working musician is as rewarding as it is hard. His ability to shine a light on the human condition is inspiring. Restless, prolific, and endlessly on the road, Dondero makes a quick stop to drop off his sixth release. Considering everywhere he's traveled, it's not surprising that geography permeates his songs. He connects the highway lines into a collection of literate, impressionistic, folk-blues mini-epics, conjuring the spirit of Henry Miller. Dondero is like the ex-patriot returned - passionately and sublimely relaying how beautiful and ugly this country can be.