From Palo Alto to Music City From Palo Alto to Music City (September 05, 2003)

Ross Winetsky shows plenty of heart on recent release "Americana Road" Wine-Sky Blind Luck Records MM1/2 by Marc Burkhardt
There's an old saying that applies to life as well as the performing arts: "You gotta have heart." It's a quality Ross Winetsky possesses in abundance.
As the former director of Urban Ministry, Winetsky dedicated himself to serving the homeless and stabilizing the then-troubled agency through patience, understanding and straight-talk.
He moved to Nashville in 2001 to immerse himself in the burgeoning Americana music scene, which eschews country glitz for folk and blues settings that reflect the music's down-home origins.
Although the move appeared to be a dramatic shift in priorities, it was no surprise to those who knew him well. Before his work in social services, Winetsky ran a recording studio in San Francisco that hosted such legends as Santana and Taj Mahal. And during his tenure at Urban Ministry, he continued playing guitar and writing songs.
Many of those efforts have surfaced on his debut album, "Americana Road," a charming blend of country, rock and folk. Released under the sobriquet "Wine-sky," the music reflects both his tastes and compassion.
A number of the songs deal with the homeless, as could be expected with such titles as "Hangin' Out at the Shelter" and "It Could Happen to You." Others, in the great tradition of Southern singer-songwriters, defend roots music ("You Call That Music), spin tall tales ("Americana Road"), bid farewell to broken relationships ("See You Later, Alligator) and display a soft side ("She Stole My Heart).
Winetsky's voice won't cause George Jones -- or even Kris Kristofferson, for that matter -- to lose any sleep. However, his vocals do possess a certain human touch that propels the performance beyond any technical limitations.
His guitar playing is surprisingly strong, with enough grit and twang to make both Steve Earle and Duane Eddy proud. The musicianship, provided by Nashville's seemingly endless supply of seasoned pros, is expert.
Winetsky may not be country's next poster boy, but the generosity of his heart and muse definitely place him within a great tradition of American music that mainstream Nashville sadly ignores these days. If every urban cowboy and Shania Twain wannabe out there possessed even a touch of Winetsky's affinity for the human condition, the world -- or at least the radio -- would be a better place.
MMMM Totally rad MMM Righteous MM Phlat M Most unworthy

E-mail Marc Burkhardt at mburkhardt@paweekly.com