Oliver Wolcott
Free download via Bandcamp - This recording would never have happened without two of my amazing friends, Steve Terry and Jonathan Tompkins; they shared their time and talents for beer and hugs and I am truly grateful. Linda and Charlie Tompkins, I can’t begin to thank you enough for the use of your cottage. Michele Doxtater-Agostinelli (my sister!) for the cover art and logo design. Jonathan Schoeck for always being a sounding board for me. Adam Haut and Chris Barrett for their musical talents. Sarah Kirnie for the constant love and support. And to all of my friends and family.
Burning Oak - Oliver Wolcott by bmastrangelo
Wolcott, NY (my home-town) was named after Oliver Wolcott, Governor of Connecticut. I don’t really know much about this guy and don’t really need to at this point. I’ve spent the last 12 years or so trying to wrap my head around the town I grew up in. Wolcott will forever hold a special place in my heart. I met life long friends, experienced small town living, gained blue collar ethos, and learned how to occupy myself as a child…something that seems more rare these days. The problem is, Wolcott left you feeling like you had no choice but to pack up and leave once you finished school. Few jobs, fleeing families, and a feeling like you were nothing but rednecks is enough to make anyone want to leave….and unfortunately most do. So why do I continue to dream about living in this place? I am still searching for that answer. All I know at this point is that it’s one of the most beautiful rural communities I’m aware of and I have a real appreciation for who it helped me become. This record is comprised of feelings I have and once had for this town. Everything from wanting change as a child to wanting to create change as an adult.
This recording was done at a cottage about ten minutes from town, on a peninsula that extends from the Chimney Bluffs. The cottage is surrounded by Lake Ontario and Sodus Bay and for the most part only accessible by boat. I spent a lot of time there as a teen and young adult, so it was a dream come true to record there.
The album cover is representative of the Venus statue in the center of Wolcott , which originally was the town’s main water supply and now a landmark.
If you’re ever in upstate New York driving between Rochester and Syracuse, swing on through Wolcott. The apples are amazing and the access and views of one of our Great Lakes is well worth the detour.
All songs written by Brandon Mastrangelo
Guitar & vocals – Brandon Mastrangelo
Drums & Aux Percussion – Jonathan Tompkins
Bass & electric guitar – Steve Terry
Fiddle & Saw (tracks 1 & 8) – Adam Haut
Trumpet (track 4) – Chris Barrett
Recording – Steve Terry
Mixing & Mastering – Charles Chaussinand
Cover Art – Michele Doxtater-Agostinelli
