Fireworks and Gregory Page

Folk101 celebrates American Independence Day like a true patriot: blowing up random objects and featuring a fabulous independent musician, San Diego’s Gregory Page.

First, let me just say Happy Independence Day to all my American readers. In my former life, I used to be an American myself. Don't worry it eventually goes away with the liberal application of calamine lotion.

I hope all of you are not actually reading this on the 4th, but rather are outside at a parade or barbecue, and not invading any other countries-at least not on the long weekend.

Because deep down we are all patriots, this year Folk101 will practice that great American tradition of apathy. I must admit that I didn't really plan anything specifically geared toward paying homage to that great day in 1776 when a group of old white guys birthed our fabulous country in a big gooey, screaming heap of idealism, deism, and democracy.

However, Folk101 can offer to enlighten readers about a truly fantastic, not-widely-known musician from San Diego named Gregory Page. Originally from London, Page came to the United States as a teenager and since that time has become one of the country's most respected independent musicians. As a stalwart of the Southern California scene, he was worked with such artists as Jason Mraz, Jewel, John Doe, and A.J. Croce.

Like most of his albums, Page's recent release Love Made Me Drunk (Seedling Records) was recorded in his tiny apartment studio. However, the sound he has achieved is extraordinary. In many ways, this is a concept album, recounting the time he spent in Paris a few years ago when he met his real father for the first time.

The story sounds like a movie and the album definitely has a cinematic scope, full of vibrant characters, wheezing accordions and mornings inundated by the smell of French baguettes baking. Folk101 thinks it's a beautiful album, and we hope you agree.

Over the course of the week, I should have up my interview with Mr. Page where we discuss the record and the glamour of making music on top of those socks you haven't quite put away after doing the laundry. I also hope to continue to catch up on my reviews. So keep your folky little ears pressed to the tracks. Just one word of advice, though, folk music rarely if ever sounds like a train.

Good luck and enjoy the summer, wherever you are...

Join the Folk Music Section's weekly newsletter by sending an email to folkmusic@suite101.com.