Artist Review: Brian Bethke and his album Auburdeen

Spiraling out in a wide musical arc from the Chippewa Valley, through Minneapolis to Chicago, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida, singer-songwriter Brian Bethke, a native of Osseo, recently began what's he's come to call his "southern folk tour" for his recently released album Auburdeen, a soulful exorcism that lays bare the struggle to put the past behind oneself, to accept one's life and to use that knowledge to create a better future. And I think Brian Bethke achieves just that. Having been on his own since age 15, Brian has had his share of ups and downs. He began writing and playing gigs for the public since that time. In 2005, he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Despite the chronic pain, migraines and fatigue associated with the disease, Brian put his songwriting talents to good use, releasing his first work The Glass Album in 2008 followed by channeling the challenges of his life into the pure and emotive complexity that is Auburdeen. "Fibromyalgia made me take a good look at myself and work hard to come to peace with myself," Brian said, "That's what this album Auburdeen was all about." Brian has been quite open about his feelings of hopelessness and loss with the onset of his disease. Despite any pains it may give him, in concert he seems very open, happy, and playfully engaging with his audience. His expert acoustic guitar-playing and range of voice along with soulful songwriting combine to make Auburdeen a tour de force.
Auburdeen is an example of the power of positive thinking and working through the pains life can throw at you, of rising above it all and waving your hat at the sun.
You can see Brian Bethke at his CD release party at the Stone's Throw on May 22nd at 9pm or at the Whispering Pines in Osseo, WI on May 23rd at 6pm. To find out more about Brian or to purchase a CD, you can visit his site here. He also gives the option of free downloads here. Being passionate about the struggles associated with fibromyalgia, he invites everyone to visit the Men With Fibro site here. Congrats Brian on all your future successes! You've gained a fan with me.
Image by Brian Bethke