Cory Branan @ World Grotto, Wed. 4/23

by Brian Mann
(Nashville, TN)

March 20, 2008 –Acclaimed Memphis indie troubadour Cory Branan to play select April shows in the Southeast. While Branan garnered heavy praise for his 2002 debut release The Hell You Say, evidenced by appearances on David Letterman and Carson Daly as well as a full page spread in Rolling Stone, it took him 4 years to release his follow up, 2006’s 12 Songs, although as Blender magazine noted that while “(he) banked the praise and laid low…12 Songs justifies the sabbatical.” As Branan has neither enjoyed nor sought the same mainstream success of many of his contemporaries, it has allowed him to follow his muse, playing shows across the country, writing new songs and entertaining his loyal, almost cult-like fan base, without regard to the hype and expectation that often follows him. Branan plays these familiar Southeastern tour spots before playing his first ever Alaska shows, representing his 47th state played, before heading into the studio to record his 3rd album,
tentatively slated for a Fall release.

"Intense dynamics, deep humor, brave production and heavy songwriting: A new voice emerges to run with the greats." - Playboy

"There's a new breed of singer-songwriter - Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst and now Cory Branan." - Rolling Stone

"Songwriting prodigy gives John Prine a run for the money." – Billboard

“What Paul Westerberg did for sensitive Minnesotans, Cory Branan does for sensitive Southern boys.” – Paste

"...this isn't your typical strummer." - American Songwriter