Dean Station Reviewed by the Taos Daily Horse Fly

Review by Dory Hulburt - April 24, 2006

Former Taos resident Levi Dean and Amanda Trainer have collaborated as Dean Station and released a self-titled CD combining his talents on the mandolin and bass, hers on percussion, and both their gifts with guitar and vocals. A Virginian, Levi grew up in a family of songwriters and artists. Aside from his family, his influences include Hank Williams, Sr., Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. Amanda, who hails from the San Francisco Bay area, moved to New Mexico in 2001 to pursue a career in fine arts. With influences like Tracy Chapman, Tori Amos, and Billy Joel, she considers herself more a poet than a songwriter, but credits Levi with helping transform her poetry into music. Amanda’s pure, fine clarity complements Levi’s nasal, sandpapery vocals in an effective two-part harmony with vibrant undertones hearkening back to bluegrass, folk, and country roots. The couple, who wrote all the music and lyrics together, plans to marry next month. Find out more about the CD, and numbers including “Anybody’s Guess,” “Flat Footin’ Girl,” and “Friendly Fire,” at deanstation.com.