By David Malachowski

ARTIST: Bryan Thomas and the Buggy Jive

ALBUM: "One Three Six Nine Lights" (no label listed)

Delmar's Bryan Thomas has been quietly putting out CDs for quite some time. "One Three Six Nine Lights" is his fifth - a well thought-out soul, folk and rock adventure.

Combining an exotic blend of Springsteen's guitar power, Prince's voice and both artists' songwriting sensibilities, Thomas takes it to another level. In "Muse," he sings about how you can "take the girl out of Schenectady" while shifting in and out of an airy falsetto, as his clever phrasing floats over minimalist guitars That is until the upright piano solo.

"Lights" has some real crunch, but the stunning "Sam" - in which he imagines Troy's Uncle Sam viewing pictures of interracial relationships, and what his reaction might be in 1766 - is maybe Thomas at his best.

Though at time the sound is a little too close to bootlegged Prince outtakes, Thomas knows how to sing, write and rock.

Visit www.bryanthomas.com.

David Malachowski is a guitarist, producer and freelance journalist living in Woodstock. The Freeman seeks CDs by local artists or artists appearing locally for review. Please send all CDs (please no CD-Rs or demo CDs) to Daily Freeman c/o Preview, 79 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401.

Music

1. "Muse"

2. "Lights"

3. "Sticky"

4. "Sam"

5. "Kick"

6. "City"

7. "Motherjudge"

8. "Lights (Acoustical Deadness Mix)"

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