Denison Witmer

Earnest is the only way I can describe Denison Witmer and his new release, Of Joy and Sorrow. He comes across as very sensitive and confessional, but after ten tracks it becomes a bore. Despite a couple of "plugged in" tunes, the CD weighs more on the latter and there is a lack of dynamics and mystery. The promo material boasted that there wasn't "a hint of cynicism," which is too bad, because it could do with some to spice things up. I trust that as Witmer matures, his doe-eyed innocence will be tarnished enough to make his music as soulful as it could be, but he sure isn't there yet.