The Waltons - Live In Buffalo - May 4, 2013

 

The first time I saw the Barenaked Ladies was in a truck garage-turned-bar called The Ikon, in Buffalo, NY.  With approximately 400 people crushed into a space that legally allowed about 250, it was quite a death defying experience.  Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night, however, was the opening act.  A four piece from Regina, Saskatchewan called The Waltons.  The Juno Award winning group had an independent album, Lik My Trakter, which was in the process of being optioned by WEA Records Canada, and brought their own inviolate energy to a catchy mix of acoustic folk and rock and roll.  Warner never really supported The Waltons, and in spite of placement on one of the Friends soundtrack collections the band never really took off in the states.  Nevertheless, the band was among the most talented to come out of the Toronto Indie scene of the early 1990’s.

The Waltons went their own ways in 2001.  Jason Plumb has gone on to become one of Canada’s most respected singer/songwriters, both independently and with his band The Willing.  By 2013, the band hadn’t been in the same room in about eight years, but on one mild spring night last weekend in North Buffalo, The Waltons were reunited in the living room of a friend.  For the stretch of thirteen songs, the Waltons were as vivacious and alive as ever they were.

This particular lineup included Jason Plumb on vocals and guitar; Keith Nakonechny on bass and vocals; Sean Bryson on drums; and Jeff McLeod (Jason Plumb and the Willing) filling in for Todd Lumley on keys.  In spite of not playing together in close to a decade, the Waltons were on.  Jason Plumb joked about not having the range he once had, but the appreciative crowd never took notice.  The set was heavy on tunes from the band’s first album, and in spite of years apart The Waltons didn’t miss a beat.  Fan favorites such as “The Middle Of Nowhere”, “Colder Than You”, “Michaelangelo’s Tummy” and “Beats The Hell Out Of Me” were well received, but the biggest reactions were for “Colder Than You” and “In The Meantime”.

The Waltons worked their way through ten songs, and were enticed into playing three more by the small but enthusiastic crowd.  “I Could Care Less” got everyone moving, but the band’s cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” was a highlight of the night.  The words didn’t come to memory easy, but the performance had an impromptu and fun feel that was very laid back.  The detour into David Alan Coe’s “The Rodeo Song” in the middle might have had something to do with it.  The Waltons had one more hit in them before the night was through, bringing down the house with “The Naked Rain”; a long time fan favorite.

This year marks the 20^th Anniversary of Lik My Trakter, and The Waltons plan on playing a handful of club gigs to celebrate.  Regina, Toronto and Buffalo are sure to be on the agenda.  Dates will be limited because the band members all have families and careers these days, but if this house concert was any indication, The Waltons have still got it.

Dan Silljer - Foolish Heart

 

Dan Silljer – Foolish Heart
2012, Soccer Mom Records

Dan Silljer gets funky on his debut solo album Foolish Heart, blending 1970’s soul, R&B and funk with a distinctive ear for melody.  In the process the member of Jason Plumb’s band The Willing creates a collection of highly listenable original tunes.  Silljer’s voice is smooth and soulful throughout, transitioning adeptly back and forth between soul /funk influenced rock and roll and his singer/songwriter roots. 

“All But Over You” is AM pop radio gold, circa 1981, and shows a distinct talent for lyrics in addition to composition.  Silljer displays a classic pop touch on “Foolish Heart”, swinging the beat in a gentle ballad that maintains high energy while keeping its cool.  Tower of Power style horns come to life on the guitar-driven “Unfaithful You”, accented by some Stanley Jordan-esque guitar work.  Silljer slows things down for the soulful and swanky “One More Dawn” before launching into the elemental funk and roll of “Them Changes”.  This is easily the most danceable track on the album – you simply won’t be able to sit still.

“Sanctuary” settles into a solid groove, while “Strange Relationship” marks a funky, classic-rock sound circa 1975.  The blues roots of this number show through, and Silljer digs into the vocal line with gusto – laying everything on the line.  Things get smooth on “Cradle To The Grave” a solid old school pop number that’s pure Billboard material.  Silljer then takes on Marvin Gaye’s “How Long”.  It’s always a risk when an artist takes on an iconic song from an iconic artist, but Silljer succeeds with a funky/smooth sound that’s classic and fresh at the same time.  “’Til I’m Gone” mixes soul and Americana (or Canadiana, if you will) in a down-tempo number that’s melodically pure and steeped in the blues.  This is a great piece of songwriting and is delivered with a quiet sense of urgency that is pleasantly surprising.  Foolish Heart bows on a quiet note: just Silljer and guitar on “Fall Apart”.  While the album is high quality throughout this is Silljer’s finest moment: showing he has the musicianship, voice and charisma to hold a listener’s attention without any frills added.

Dan Silljer may spend a lot of time in the background as a member of Jason Plumb And The Willing, but he is a first class front man in his own right.  This fact becomes more and more apparent he wends his way through Foolish Heart.  Dan Silljer shows off his many musical facets with quiet confidence and just a touch of flair.  Foolish Heart is an album you simply don’t want to miss.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Dan Silljer at Soccer Mom Records or on Facebook.

Jason Plumb and the Willing - All Is More Than Both

Jason Plumb and the Willing – All Is More Than Both
2012, Soccer Mom Records

Saskatchewan-based singer/songwriter Jason Plumb got his start in the early 1990’s as the front man for The Waltons.  Touring with Barenaked Ladies early in their career, The Waltons became a fan favorite across Canada and parts of the Northeast U.S, largely on the strength of Plumb’s songwriting and his voice.  The band waned with the 1990’s, and Plumb has gone on to become one of the most respect Indie songwriters in Canada.  Both as a solo artist and with his band The Willing, Plumb historically brings a quiet intensity and subtle melancholy to his songwriting that is compelling.  Plumb turns a corner on his latest album, All Is More Than Both, his third turn with The Willing.  With Canadian super-producer Michal Phillip Wojewoda at the helm, Plumb finds the anger and the joy embedded in his melancholy and lets it rip on what is his most vibrant album to date.

Recapturing a sonic vigor not seen since his earliest work with The Waltons, Plumb begins a full-on aural assault with “First Time”, a wondrous blend of 1980’s rock and Americana that recalls the glory days of a teenager and first love.  This is easily the most commercial single Plumb has produced in some time, but he does so without giving up a bit of quality in his songwriting.  The chorus is infectious and will inhabit your head for days; you won’t be able to help yourself from dancing and singing along.  “Losin’” has a much darker and heavier feel.  Co-written with Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies (who also contributes vocals here), there is a palpable anger to the song that may surprise longtime fans.

“What You Leave” is quite another matter altogether, a wonderfully melodic take on growing up, aging gracefully and coming to terms with what is important in life.  Former Barenaked Lady Steven Page lends his golden pipes in support of the most aurally appealing track on the album.  “Alone With You” is a catchy, mid-tempo anti-love song with a chorus that sounds like it belongs on 1970’s classic rock radio (Eagles, anyone?)  Plumb’s brilliance shines here in simple things, and you’ll find it hard to get this song out of your head.

Jason Plumb returns to gentle, melodic melancholy on “Hold On”, a gorgeous rumination on not being taken in again by love.  The vocals here are sublime, and Plumb builds the song in small measures to a chorus you simple cannot shake.  Listen for vocal support from Alexa Dirks, whose voice could light up a room.  “All By Myself” finds Jason Plumb and the Willing muscling up for a buoyant mid-tempo rocker full of the sort of hooks that make radio programmers drool.  Don’t be surprised if this song finds its way to the airwaves as we move into the summer months.

“On A Chain” blends pop and Americana in a brilliant reflection on not being able to break away from an old love.  The chorus is full of gorgeous vocal harmonies spread out around an edgy melody line; the contrast is appealing, and the mix of voices is pure magic.  Plumbs dips into romantic territory with “Falling Star”, which sounds as if it might have been left over from his Beauty In This World sessions.  It would, in fact, be surprising if this were a leftover, as the song is Plumb at his finest blend of poetry and melody.  It’s a beauty, and builds into a symphonic sounding chorus that leaves an impression on the listener.

"Under A Gun” finds Plumb sticking with his more lyric side, crafting a subtly beautiful melody line drenched in an ethereal, country-tinged arrangement that wraps you u and rocks you gently in its arms.  “Sweet Misery” starts with the simplest of piano lines and builds into an ode to the mix of suffering and joy that so often makes up love.  The twist here is that Plumb is looking back at someone from the past and realizing how good it was even if he couldn’t see it at the time.  Plumb reasserts his status as one of the finest working songwriters of his day right here.  You’ll have this song on continuous repeat.  Jason Plumb and the Willing close things out on a pragmatic note with the incredibly upbeat country/rock of “Naturally (Ain’t Up To Me)”. The chorus will invade your brain and refuse to leave as Plumb waxes poetic on a newfound acceptance of our ultimate place in life.

I’ll step outside the role of reviewer for a moment and offer a disclaimer: I have been a Jason Plumb fan for years.  I saw him with the Waltons back in the day when they opened for Barenaked Ladies in Ontario and small clubs in Buffalo.  I have followed his career as he has branched out; first on his own and later, with Jason Plumb and The Willing.  It’s not surprising that a fan is going to like the work of one of his favorite artists.  (Reviewer hat back on.)  What is surprising, however, is when a well-established songwriter who is respected by his peers remakes himself and raises the bar twenty-five years into a successful career.  Some credit has to be given to Michael Phillip Wojewoda for overseeing the same sort of transformation he has wrought with acts such as Barenaked Ladies, The Rheostatics, Spirit of the West and Ashley MacIsaac.  But the bulk of the credit goes to Jason Plumb and the Willing.  All Is More Than Both is brilliant from first note to last.  This is Prairie Music Award worthy, Juno Award worthy, and yes, GRAMMY Award worthy.  It’s also one of the easiest selections ever as a Wildy’s World Certified Desert Island Disc.

Rating:  5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Jason Plumb at www.jasonplumb.com or www.myspace.com/jasonplumbandthewilling.  All Is More Than Both is a Canadian release.  If you need a CD, you'll have to go MapleMusic.  Digital versions are available from the e-tailers below.

     iTunes

Please note that the Amazon.com prices listed above are as of the posting date, and may have changed. Wildy's World is not responsible for price changes instituted by Amazon.com.

Jason Plumb & The Willing - Alive And Willing

Jason Plumb & The Willing - Alive & Willing
2011, Soccermom Records

Jason Plumb rose to prominence as songwriter and lead vocalist of Saskatchewan folk-rockers The Waltons in the early 1990's, touring with bands such as Barenaked Ladies and Junkhouse.  Darlings of the Toronto indie rock scene fueled by the then vibrant radio station CFNY, The Waltons enjoyed considerable success across Canada but never quite caught on in the US.  The Waltons were essentially done by the turn of the millennium, but Jason Plumb continued to write songs and has built a successful and highly respected body of work both on his own and with The Willing.  Early this year, Jason Plumb & The Willing released a DVD set entitled Alive & Willing, memorializing a show recorded live in Plumb's hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, and featuring the Broken Heart Strings, an offshoot of the Regina Symphony Orchestra.

Alive & Willing finds Plumb culling material from across his career in a dynamic live set that aptly shows off his brilliance as a lyricist, composer and performer.  Relying heavily on material from his album Beauty In This World, the show also features songs from Under And Over and some highlights from his career with The Waltons.  The main concert is a real treat, but the big surprise is something called The Neighborhood Dog Episode, a bonus movie featuring a series of home concert performances and anecdotes.  The set also includes a live CD covering most of the audio from the main concert.  Highlights include “Beauty In This World”, “Drive”, “Protest Song/Colder Than You”, “The Water Well & The Farmer’s Hand”  and “Lolita”.  The latter is only on the DVD and not on the companion audio CD. 

The video and audio quality throughout the set is superb.  Jason Plumb & The Willing are everything you could ask for musically.  Plumb sings from the heart; without affectation, and his songs as accessible and timeless.  Alive & Willing is a don’t miss release.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Jason Plumb & The Willing at http://www.jasonplumb.com/ or www.myspace.com/jasonplumbandthewilling.  Alive And Willing is a limited edition release, and is available from MapleMusic.com.

The Wildy's World Top-40 of 2009: #5 Jason Plumb - Wide Open Music

5 Jason Plumb - Wide Open Music (Songs For Saskatchewan)

Jason Plumb's provincial Wide Open Music features songs about or inspired by Saskatchewan, Canada. You might think such a geographically focused album would have limited appeal, but Plumb is such a great songwriter that even the most obtuse listeners will fall in love with the Canadian Prairies. Wide Open Music features songs from Plumb's Waltons and solo days as well as a few tracks that haven't appeared on CD before, all reinterpreted masterfully by Plumb and The Willing. This is one of those albums that will surprise you; suck you in and take you along for a pleasant ride you never expected.

Plumb himself is considered in some circles to be one of the best songwriters of his generation in Canada. Some might even argue that he deserves to be included in any such conversation irrespective of country. It's not often that an album comprised primarily of previously released material might rate so highly on a year-end list, but Wide Open Music is special, indeed.

Review: Sharif - Kisses And Lies

Sharif - Kisses And Lies
2008, Cursing Furniture Publishing

Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Sharif certainly has significant presence in the music industry. Rave reviews for both his recording and live performances are an indication, but for the real story just take a look at the sort of people pitching in on Sharif’s latest album, Kisses And Lies. His backing band includes Tim Bradshaw (John Mayer, David Gray), Jon Graboff (Ryan Adams), Mark Goldenberg (Jackson Browne, Ringo Starr), Stewart Miles (Jason Mraz, Lifehouse, Shawn Colvin) and Brian Jones (Mandy Moore, Liz Phair). Additionally, appearances by Rhett Miller (The Old 97’s) and Robb MacLean (Limbeck) bring added interest. Kisses And Lies is self-produced and should serve to open a lot of eyes and ears to the talent of Sharif.

Kisses And Lies opens with Far From You, a vibrant and catchy tune about moving on after a relationship. Sharif has a pleasant voice that soars in this setting. Rhett Miller (The Old 97's) sits in on Dark Side Of The Dawn, a great bit of easy Americana about one way to cope with loss. This one will definitely get your toes tapping, and finds Sharif sounding a bit like Jason Plumb playing with Blue Rodeo. Another Wasted Rose is a brilliant bit of songwriting; it's not your typical country song of heartbreak. Very well written, Another Wasted Rose is full of strong imagery and an absolutely unforgettable chorus. There's nothing flashy here, just amazing songwriting. Worth The Fall represents the realization that even a relationship that ended badly was worth the time he had. The song is melancholy and a bit lost in a mix of sorrow and reverie.

By Your Side casts a mid-tempo devotion of expression; it's the classic "I'll Be There For You" statement in song and leads into Oceans Of Trouble. Oceans Of Trouble finds Sharif still mired in his loss; it's all he can think/write/sing about at this point in the album. Sharif goes off the beaten path a bit with The District Sleeps Alone Tonight, a vaguely off but highly enjoyable song. Sharif celebrates the joy of love on Deeper In Her Arms. The upbeat Americana arrangement has a great sound, border on early Rock N Roll with an R&B backbeat. Sharif seems to struggle a bit for much of the rest of the album, which songs such as Memories Like A Melody, The Price You Pay, Do I Want You Enough and Moment Of Trust having a marginal impression on the public at large. Sharif recovers in time for the last track, however. I Won't Need Your Kisses Anymore is a great closer. The energy that was lost for much of the second half of the album returns in a Blues-flavored, old school Country tune you won't soon forget.

Sharif turns in both great songwriting and performance efforts on Kisses And Liars. The first half of the album is absolutely brilliant while the second half gets mired in itself. It's as if all of the strongest material was placed on the album first and then weaker tracks were added later on. Don't get me wrong, the weaker tracks here don't necessarily equate to a problem, they just don't stand up well against the superior quality songwriting evident on the first half of the album. Either way, Kisses And Liars is worth checking out.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Sharif at http://www.sharifmusic.com/ or www.myspace.com/sharif. You can purchase Kisses And Lies as either a CD or download from CDBaby.com.

Review: Kevin Carlson - Museum

Kevin Carlson - Museum
2008, Kevin Carlson

Kevin Carlson is an Atlanta, Georgia based performer whose roots run deep in the singer/songwriter tradition. Folks like Dan Fogelberg, Joni Mitchell and Kenny Loggins heavily influenced Carlson, who has been playing and writing songs primarily on a 12-string acoustic guitar since the 1970s. Carlson has seen some real success in the last year, with five songs licensed for use on MTV, Oxygen and E! in October of 2008. All five songs are available on Carlson's debut CD, Museum. Carlson has also seen his songs chart on internet charts such as UBL.com, where he was the #1 pop artist for 8 weeks in early 2009. Writing primarily from his own life experiences, Carlson touches on love, loss and the generalities of life on Museum.

Bethany's Wood leads off the album, a remembrance of a place Carlson played as a child which was itself a remembrance. It's an ode to simpler times and mourns what is often lost with progress. The song is a gorgeous and wonderfully written soliloquy motivated by a sentimentality that is real. With the bar set so high, Carlson delivers in fine style with Miracle. Carlson is an adept story-teller in song, here delving into the lost relationship between a father and daughter as the father sits on death's doorstep. Healing isn't always physical, and the miracles given to us aren't always the ones we ask for. Miracles is a breathtaking demonstration of both facts. Carlson lightens the mood with Hold My Hand, a sweet love song about how the little things can lift us the most. This is probably one of the best and least cliché love songs I've heard in some time. It could be taken as a simple request or a proposal; either way, expect Hold My Hand to be a mix-tape and wedding staple.

Carlson gets in a cute song about his pet pooch called Little Dang Dog. It's a love song that any pet owner will understand. Museum is about being in love for all the wrong reasons and the effects it can have on a person. The story is well told and ends on an empty note, much like the relationship it memorializes. Other Way Around is about the struggle a musician or business person who travels faces between the love of the road and the love of family ("because my heart is where my home is, it's not the other way around"). Other Way Around is a tremendous piece of song craft. Remains Of Yesterday and December Days both seem to focus on the need to look forward. Remains is a general song, whereas December Days is much more personal and deals with the death of a loved one. December Days has the potential to be a real tear-jerker, particularly if the story therein touches upon a story from your own life. Museum closes out with AnnMarie, a touching ode to imperfection and love. AnnMarie displays perhaps better than any song I've heard how sometimes it is the imperfections in the ones we love that bring out best in us.

Kevin Carlson has this ability to write deeply emotional and personal songs without slip-sliding into the Valley of Cliché or sounding like a false balladeer. Carlson shows a talent for turns of phrase and for memorializing people, events and places in song so well that each song breathes with their life's blood. His melodies and arrangements are ultimately pleasing, wrapping each story in a web of song that's irresistible. Carlson is a rare talent, and Museum is a gift. It's rare for a songwriter to have mastered melody, arrangement and lyrics as completely as Carlson has. Names that come to mind are Jason Plumb, Neil Young, Dan Fogelberg and Bruce Cockburn. Museum is a must have CD, a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc. Make sure you spend some time with Kevin Carlson soon.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Kevin Carlson at http://www.kevincarlsonmusic.com/ or www.myspace.com/kevincarlsonmusic. You can purchase a copy of Museum at www.cdbaby.com/cd/kevincarlson or download a copy through iTunes.

Concert Review: Jason Plumb And The Willing - June 16, 2009 - The Orrange Sunroom, Kenmore, NY

Jason Plumb & The Willing – The Orrange Sunroom, Tuesday June 16, 2009

I had the distinct pleasure to be invited to a private performance by Jason Plumb & The Willing at the home of Bob & Maureen Orrange this past week. This is the first time I had seen Plumb on his own, as my past concert experiences with him had been as lead singer for Canadian Indie faves The Waltons. This was a small house concert with perhaps 40 attendees, but the audience was more than enthusiastic enough to make up for its size. Jason Plumb was self-effacing and humble before, during and after the show, indicating that this constituted something of a live rehearsal for the band for a series of dates in June in Ontario. You wouldn’t know it was a rehearsal from the performance, Plumb & the Willing were spot on right from the opening notes of Starlight, Starbright. In spite of taking most of the first song to get all the levels worked out in that small space, Plumb gave an affecting performance of one of the more optimistic songs in his songbook. Plumb and The Willing sailed through I Do and The Middle Of Nowhere, noting that it was only the second time the band had played the latter (you’d never know).

Plumb launched next into Satellite after talking briefly about writing the song with Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies; he was in perfect voice here, and it was very clear that The Willing were clicking on all eight cylinders. Up next was Neil Young’s Tell Me Why, in arrangement Young himself would have stood up and saluted had he been in attendance. Perhaps the biggest Wow! moment of the show came on Rubbing Off, done up in a country arrangement that was absolutely amazing. The Willing gave heartfelt readings of Heartless and Wascana (a house favorite, particularly of diminutive co-host Jess), before breaking into one of my favorite Plumb tunes, Protest Song. Wrapped into the middle of Protest Song was Plumb’s earliest hit with The Waltons, Colder Than You; at the transition you could see smiles light up on the faces of those in attendance. The Willing returned to Protest Song before launching into Drive, the first single from Plumb’s latest disc, Wide Open Music: Songs For Saskatchewan. Guitarist Dan Silljer almost stole the show here with a wicked guitar solo. Plumb closed out the night with a cover of The Jayhawks’ Blue.

Jason Plumb is one of those performers who aren’t consumed by fame. He makes music because he loves making music; he writes songs because he needs to. Anyone who’s followed him for any length of time knows he’s one of the best songwriters working in popular music. The quality of his work his drawn to him an amazing band in The Willing, consisting on this night of Dan Silljer on guitar, Gord Smith on bass, Mike Thompson on drums, Jeff Mcleod on accordion and piano, Cody Gamracy on guitar and a new violinist named Carmella (I didn’t catch her last name). It was a night not to be missed (even though I almost did), and bodes well for anyone seeing Jason Plumb And The Willing this summer. If you are in the vicinity of one of his shows, make sure you don’t miss it!

The show was opened by Buffalo’s own McCarthyizm, who put on quite a performance of their own. Highlights were something that co-host Jess kept referring to as “The Pub Song” and Mt. St. Michel, from their 2001 album Pair O’ Docs.

Check out our reviews of Jason Plumb & The Willing’s most recent album, Wide Open Music: Songs For Saskatchewan, as well as their previous album, the exquisite Beauty In This World.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Saturday, June 20, 2009 – Toronto, ON
C’Est What? – 67 Front St. E
NXNE Music Festival – Official Showcase
1:00 AM, $25.00

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 – Hamilton, ON
The Casbah – 306 King St. W.
10:00 PM

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 – London, ON
London Music Club – 470 Colborne Street
8:00 PM, $7.00 (w/ Pat Robitaille)

Thursday, June 25, 2009 – Toronto, ON
Hugh’s Room – 2261 Dundas Street W
Wide Open Music release party with Miranda Mulholland & The Roaring Girl Cabaret
7:30 PM, $15.00 ADV/$17.00 DOOR

Saturday, July 31, 2009 – Regina, SK
Buffalo Days
w/ Colin James

Review: Jason Plumb And The Willing - Wide Open Music: Songs For Saskatchewan

Jason Plumb And The Willing – Wide Open Music: Songs For Saskatchewan

2009, Soccer Mom Records

I have referenced Jason Plumb many times over in this blog, reviewing his previous album, Beauty In This World. I have also seen him in concert a handful of times over the years with his first band, The Waltons. The Regina, Saskatchewan-based singer/songwriter is a national treasure for Canada. He is perhaps one of the most talented songwriters of his generation, creating a body of work that draws equally on his love of classic Country music, British Pop and melancholy forms. Plumb has composed for television (Friends) and movies (Borderline Normal, Remembering Tom, Naked In New York) and has even taken over the production boards for artists such as Heidi Little and Nicol Lischka, but it is writing and performing that continues to drive him 20 years into what’s become a magnificent career in music. On June 9, 2009, Jason Plumb And The Willing released Wide Open Music: Songs For Saskatchewan in Canada (likely US release date in September, 2009). The album is a re-working of classic songs from Plumb’s catalog both as a solo artist and with The Waltons, as well as two newer songs. If you aren’t in the know when it comes to Jason Plumb, now is the time.

Wide Open Music opens with Empire On The Plains, a moderate rocker that features Plumb’s angelic voice and the sense of melancholy and longing that seems to pervade his music. Written about the need to touch base in a place that’s home from time-to-time, the song stands as one that anyone who’s ever spent any time on the road can relate to. Drive is a recent addition in Plumb’s catalog, coming from 2007’s Beauty In This World. This particular version was recorded live and shows the fine blend of Brit Pop and Country that has become something of a trademark for Plumb. Wascana originally appeared on The Walton’s Cocks Crow album, and gets the royal treatment here with gorgeous yet subtle harmonies from The Willing, and a more open vocal line that really shows off Plumb’s pipes.

Wide Open is from Jason Plumb’s Under & Over album and is a paean to life on the Canadian Prairie. The lyric imagery in this song is as beautiful as the melody Plumb wraps it in, and the arrangement reflects the urgency to get back to the place he calls home. The Waterwell And The Farmer’s Hand is perhaps the first song that hooked me on Plumb as a songwriter; taken from The Walton’s debut album, Lik My Trakter, Waterwell is about the ties to family and home that bind many of us. Written over 17 years ago in response to the death of his grandfather, it was at the time an incredibly poignant and atypically deep song for a songwriter as young as Plumb was at the time. I remember listening to this song at a show where The Waltons were opening for the Barenaked Ladies and being absolutely blown away. Nearly twenty years on this is still one of the finest pop songs I’ve ever heard, and the arrangement offered here is fuller and richer than the original.

Take My Breath opens with a brief vocal harmony interval that sounds like it should have been written by Brian Wilson before opening into a gorgeous melody line ensconced in a simple yet engaging pop arrangement. This song was written as a commission for Saskatchewan tourism and is absolutely inspired. Heartless originally appeared on Cock’s Crow, and is presented with a bit of a country swing here. The song is a bit too subtle and reserved to really get you dancing, but the temptation will be there nonetheless. The vocal harmonies in the break are amazing, and as they fall away Plumb gets a few lines where it’s essentially just his voice. Wow.

Middle Of Nowhere has long been one of my favorite songs from The Waltons (Empire Hotel). The song explores that mix of adolescent contempt for the place we grew up with the sentimental love that develops over time as we mature and return to our roots. Saskatoon Pie (Empire Hotel) uses a favorite desert (known as Serviceberry Pie is the United States) of Saskatchewan as a symbol for finding sweetness in life, and could easily be mistaken as a love song. Paint The World Green is a song Plumb wrote as a theme song for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. It’s unusually poppy and pretty for a football team song and could easily cross over as a theme for “green” causes as well. The album closes out with a bluegrass version of Wide Open that is entirely fitting and, if possible, even better than the original.

Jason Plumb is the consummate artist, a singer-songwriter whose list of peers could be written on a small Post-It note in large, scrawling script. His ability to get at the heart of anything he writes about is surreal. There is no one in popular music these days quite like him. The song Middle Of Nowhere, as much as any other here proves a universal point about Wide Open Music; These songs were written about or inspired by Saskatchewan, and are specific in detail, but the songs are about home. Anyone with a love for the place they started out (particularly if you’ve left it behind over time) will find a deep connection to this album. The arrangements are incredible, and The Willing provide the backbone and flesh for Plumb’s songs with amazingly tight musicianship. Wide Open Music: Songs For Saskatchewan is destined to be one of the top releases of 2009, and likely to get a lot of buzz when it comes time for Canada’s Juno Award nominations (not to mention the Western Canadian Music Awards). Don’t let the title fool you; you don’t need to be from Saskatchewan to connect with this CD. Wide Open Music is a Wildy’s World Certified Desert Island Disc. Miss this one and you’re really missing out.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Jason Plumb And The Willing at http://www.jasonplumb.com/ or on MySpace. You can purchase a copy of Wide Open Music: Songs For Saskatchewan from Maple Music.com.

Glenn Yoder - Okono Road
2008, Glenn Yoder

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Boston-based Glenn Yoder carries his influences with him like memories. They infuse his musical choices as seamlessly as breathing. The singer/guitarist of Boston's Cassavettes heads out on his own with the release of Okono Road. Trimming a list of fifty songs down to twelve, Yoder leads with his best foot on his solo debut, mixing radio anthems with ballads and some old fashioned Rock N Roll in a highly commercial yet likable debut.

Yoder opens with the radio-friendly anthem Broken, Beaten & Blue. It's an incredibly tuneful song that fits neatly into several demographics. Yoder's voice is pleasant and easy on the ears, and the arrangement is as smooth as silk. That polished feel carries over to Okono Road in a very accessible acoustic pop tune. A Thousand Ways looks to be a mix-tape favorite, mixing balladry and soul in a moving performance. Til The Wheels Fall Off is a great acoustic pop tune, very likely to end up in licensing or on the radio if offered in those venues.

Just Like is the best pure pop song on the record and likely to be a crowd favorite at shows. It's Gonna Take Time is a very close second. Yoder reminds me very much of Canada's The Waltons on several songs, but nowhere more so than on It's Gonna Take Time. Other songs of note are Home, Give Me A Moment and You Led Me Into Your Love.

Glenn Yoder infuses pop-savvy acoustic rock with elements of country and soul to full effect on Okono Road. At times he sounds a great deal like Jason Plumb of The Waltons (I consider this a supreme compliment). Yoder is a very polished songwriter who will appeal heavily to several demographics, and is probably one of the more likely artists to end up with songs licensed for prime time shows you'll come across. Okono Road is a smooth and accessible recording with significant commercial legs.

Rating 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Glenn Yoder at www.myspace.com/glennyoder. No information was received on availability, so please keep checking back to Yoder’s MySpace page for more information.

The Wildy's World Top-40 of 2008: #2

The two best albums of the year, as reviewed by Wildy's World, are upon us. It's been a long trip (and a lot of reviews) to get here, but well worth the wait (and the work). Our #2 release is from one of our favorite songwriters. A guy who started out on the Indie Circuit in a band named after a 1970's TV show opening for the Barenaked Ladies, jumped to a major label, and ended up back on the Indie side of the fence.
#2 - Jason Plumb & The Willing - Beauty In This World

Beauty In This World is one of the first CDs we reviewed and remains one of our favorites. Jason Plumb has always had a penchant for writing these gorgeous songs, often with upbeat or sweet melodies and melancholy to depressing lyrics. Plumb raised his game on Beauty In This World from star quality to genius. This is the most sonically pleasing album of the year. This is the first album Plumb produced entirely on his own, and his DNA is in every note. It's been a long trip from his days with The Waltons, but Plumb has gotten better and better, just like fine wine. I don't believe he tours extensivelly anymore, and you're not likely to find a show outside of his native Canada, so his albums and the live clips on Youtube are probably your best bet to get to know Jason Plumb. Don't deny yourself the opportunity.

Review: She Swings, She Sways - Wasted Love Songs

She Swings, She Sways - Wasted Love Songs
2008, Authentic Records

From the home of Radar O’Reilly, Ottumwa, Iowa, comes She Swings, She Sways, an interesting Americana sextet you need to know a little more about. She Swings, She Sways has a very homey feel, like music you might play with friends sitting around a kitchen table on a Saturday night. It’s that at home feel that lends much of the charm to the band’s full length debut, Wasted Love Songs. Each band member contributed to the subject matter here. Stories of love lost or unrequited in the voice of Midwest sensibility and caution reach a crescendo of melancholy that approaches beauty. She Swings, She Sways tells their stories.

She Swings, She Sways has an easy on the ears, somewhat melancholy Americana sound that will set you at ease right off the bat. What I Wouldn't Do, the opening track, is one of the peppier tracks on Wasted Love Songs. This is a song with commercial potential even in spite of the traditional acoustic instrumentation. It's the sort of song that shows up in movie and television soundtracks. Don't be surprised if this song gets heavily licensed. Evelyn's Green is a lilting ballad with a gorgeous melody and a tactful send of lyric imagery. She Swings, She Sways comes off sounding like a cross between Jason Plumb and Toad The Wet Sprocket.

He Loves Me is an upbeat country duet between Cory Canny and Diana Garles. The low key vocals counter the emotional tension that runs through the song, and the Simon and Garfunkel-esque harmonies make for a sweet if slightly surreal sound. You Stole My Heart is pure sweet country balladeering. Other highlights include Highway, Sing To Me and Even So.

She Swings, She Sways has a very mellow, easy-going approach to their music that fans will find refreshing. Strong songwriting, outstanding musicianship and a knack for great hooks make Wasted Love Songs a sonic treat! This is a fine recording that deserves much attention.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about She Swings, She Sways at http://www.sheswingsshesways.com/, where you can purchase a copy of Wasted Love Songs.

Review: David Cosma - Hanging From Aldo

David Cosma – Hanging From Aldo
2008, Regal Records

David Cosma grew up idolizing music from the 1950’s and 1960’s. He so much liked Paul McCartney that he started playing his guitar left handed (on a right handed guitar). Cosma learned to play the guitar backwards without restringing it. This has led to something of a signature sound and technique. The Melbourne, Australia based musician previously fronted a popular local band called Mistamash. 2008 sees the release of Cosma’s first solo album, Hanging From Aldo. It is the culmination of Cosma’s decision to leave his full time job in 2007 and devote himself entirely to music.

Hanging From Aldo opens with Sentimental Shoe, a mellow tune with a great chorus. Cosma displays a keen atmospheric sense in his writing. He’s fairly low energy at times as a vocalist, but juxtaposes that against musical creations of distinct tension and angst. The end result is very interesting listening that is nuanced and discreet. What You Just Said is a great acoustic guitar-based tune wrapped around the dysfunctions in a relationship. Cosma’s mix of melody and lyrical genius here is amazing. This is the sort of song that will definitely be a concert favorite, but will find currency in all sorts of fans at different times in their lives: this song seems to speak to emotions that we’ve all been through at one time or another.

Bryant Reserve is a great little blues/country hybrid that shows some of the soul shadings in Cosma’s voice. Up In The Clouds is a slightly repressed pop tune with a great melody and very simple composition. It sounds like the sort of tune The Traveling Wilburies might have run off in a recording session. This is my personal favorite on the album. A close second is Now It’s Time. Great harmonies and a melody to die for make this song unforgettable. There is a slight alt-country-rock feel to this that reminds me of The Waltons/Jason Plumb. Other highlights include Out Of Me, Ninety Days, the colorful Letter Home and Take It As It Comes.

Hanging From Aldo took a few listens for me. This is not a casual listen disc. There’s too much going on, and much of it is beneath the surface of the still musical waters Cosma projects. What sounds mellow and relaxed is really full of angst or tension or a deep current that won’t express itself on first glance. This is a very rewarding CD for folks who give it the proper time and attention. David Cosma creates on a level with someone like Daniel Lanois. Finely crafted pop songs with country or Americana trappings are the rule here. Gorgeous melodies supported by uncomplicated structure and lots of musical nuance and intelligent lyrics are the shadings and nuance that will keep you listening time and time again.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about David Cosma at http://www.davidcosma.com/. You can purchase a copy of Hanging From Aldo at www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidcosma.

Music Review: The Westminsters - The Westminsters EP

The Westminsters - The Westminsters EP
2008, Lumpy Records

The Westminsters is comprised of Martin MacDonald and anyone he happens to pull into a recording session. This Brisbane, Australia musician recorded The Westminsters EP in six days in his bedroom using ProTools and pure chutzpah. The result is a gorgeously melancholy EP that is both inspiring and smooth. The fact that it is available for free download through the band’s website is an added bonus.

Lush, lush, lush. That is the primary word that comes to mind when thinking about The Westminsters and their self-titled EP. The Westminsters offer up a brand of melancholy acoustic rock that reminds me of Jason Plumb and The Waltons. A Vest & Hat is a gorgeous musical painting in the fine brush strokes of guitar and filled out to orchestral proportions. The harmonies here will wrap you up like sunshine breaking through the clouds or the voices of angels upon a revelation. For Your Seasons has a pleasant melody that is intrinsically familiar at once. The song opens with guitar voice and the occasional accoutrement of a rinky-tink piano. For Your Seasons breaks unexpectedly 55 seconds in and returns morphed into a full band sound that is both faithful to and expansive of the opening.

How Quickly Does Your Smile Fade Away is perhaps my favorite song here (although my choice for favorite keeps changing). It's here that I most associate The Westminsters with The Waltons. The lyrics are intelligent and musical with that certain touch of melancholy that lifts them up into rarified territory. The musical arrangement as across the rest of The Westminsters EP is sublime. The EP closes with Too Many Souls, a strident calling out of a relationship in classic Americana colors. The circular melody line on this one does get a little repetitive, but the chorus soars and the playing is wonderfully vibrant.

The Westminsters come out of nowhere with four songs that firmly place their feet on the Americana map. The Westminsters EP is one of the more pleasant surprises of 2008. Hopefully we'll be hearing more from them soon.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about The Westminsters at http://www.thewestminsters.com/, where you can download The Westminsters EP for free (including liner notes). Be sure to check out their other 2008 EP, Some Reasonable Fiction on iTunes.

CD Review: Laws Of Attraction - Where I Belong

Laws Of Attraction - Where I Belong
2008, LOA Music

Laws Of Attraction is Laurene Palmiere and Scott Dionne, a Calgary based duo with a bent for passionate country. Hailing from Campbell River, BC and Halifax, NS, respectively, the duo traveled a long distance just to find one another. Their debut album Where I Belong is a treat.

I have to start by saying I love Laws Of Attraction's sound. Vocalist Laurene Palmiere has an amazing, lush sound, and the songs are well written. This is mellow country all the way. The sound is a bit generic for pop-country, but it's a pleasant listen. Where I Belong opens with The Road I Left Behind, which shows off great organ and guitar work and a strong backing band. I'll Wait opens with a guitar hook that is very similar to the one that opens The Waltons' Middle Of Nowhere. I don't know if this were intentional or not, but it made a neat connection between Laws of Attraction and The Waltons (Jason Plumb).

Letting Me Go is almost soulful, right down to the swanky violins. The absolute highlight of Where I Belong is Talk Away The Night. This is a potential major hit for Laws Of Attraction (as always) with the right breaks. Other highlights include These Days, Where I Belong and Courage.

Laws Of Attraction has a nice easy sound. They hearken back to 1980's country a bit, where melancholy and a more mellow sound predominated. I think Where I Belong may have a difficult time garnering significant attention from radio, as their sound is a little mellow for the ADD tendencies of the day, but songs like Talk Away The Night will always find a niche. As long as Laws Of Attraction can continue to write and perform songs of this quality, they'll have a following for however long they keep making music.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Laws Of Attraction and purchase a copy of Where I Belong at http://www.lawsofattractionmusic.com/. If you are purely of the digital age you may download individual tracks or the entire album though iTunes.

CD Review: Val Emmich - Little Daggers

Val Emmich - Little Daggers
2008, Bluhammock Music

Val Emmich understands the art of war. In the end all battles come down to hand-to-hand combat, and it is in that setting that the ultimate message is sent from one side to the other. On Little Daggers, his sixth release, Emmich has crafted a collection of ten energetic pop/rock songs with deep and sometimes disparate lyrical currents. Each of these little daggers is designed to prick at your conscience or your thought process, but I promise you no blood will be drawn.

Little Daggers opens with The Lucky Ones, a bouncy, feel-good pop anthem on the outside while having a melancholy lyrical turn. Get On With It sounds as impatient as its name. Hurt More Later may be the class of the album -- an introspective and peppy look at the downside of love. Emmich moves on to a lilting waltz in Darling Denise. Other highlights here include Wake Up Brand New, the frenetically acoustic Down and the emotional rebirth of Catalyst.

Val Emmich reminds me of one of my favorite songwriters, Jason Plumb. Both have a distinct melancholy that runs through their songs even where the music is full of pep. Emmich keeps his songs compact and concise, all the better to drive the points home. Little Daggers is a thing of beauty. Listen in.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Val Emmich at http://www.valemmich.com/. You can purchase a copy of Little Daggers through Amazon.com.

CD Review: Steve Haggard - Love Conquers All

Steve Haggard - Love Conquers All
2008, Wild Oats Records

Steve Haggard is a rare talent in country music these days. Eschewing the pop and circumstance that tends to flow freely from Nashville like waste water into a river, Haggard mixes a blend of country, rock, blues, rockabilly, folk and Americana that is uniquely original and accessible. On Love Conquers All, his sixth release on Wild Oats Records, Steve Haggard raises the bar a notch higher with a wonderfully warm roots album that is not to be missed.

Haggard has a warm country voice and easy delivery that make him a pleasure to listen to. He has built a superb backing band that I'd put up against most any outfit in or out of Nashville. Steve Haggard is a musical maverick in much the same light as Lyle Lovett. Songs like If She Only Had A Heart, Cheating County Blues and Gonna Make A Believer Out Of You show off the more rockabilly side of Steve Haggard's muse. Haggard shows a quieter side on Trust In Love, Might Have To Die (To Make You Miss Me) and Renegade. Haggard also pulls a pleasant surprise with a superb cover of Forever Young.

Mysterious Ways Part III and Part II are an interesting tandem of songs as well. These might be the most commercial of songs here, with identical music but different lyrics. I am not sure whether one is a continuation of the other or whether these are alternative song ideas, but they work, and I would not be surprised to hear either song in a movie or on television in the coming year.

Steve Haggard is not someone I was familiar with before the early part of this year, but I have quickly gained significant respect for him as a musician. The aforementioned Lyle Lovett is one of my absolutely favorite songwriters (along with names like Billy Joel, Randy Newman, Gordon Matthew Sumner (Sting), Ron Hawkins and Jason Plumb. I don't know if Steve Haggard is quite in that class, but he certainly belongs in the conversation. Love Conquers All is what country music aspires to when it's not busy selling the latest pop sensation to MTV. Steve Haggard is what Nashville dreams longingly it could still be.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Steve Haggard at www.wildoatsrecords.com. Love Conquers All is a forthcoming release. Keep checking back at Wildy Oats Records website for further information.

CD Review: Amy Speace - Songs For Bright Street

Amy Speace – Songs For Bright Street
2006, Wildflower Records

What I find impossible to believe is that I have not heard of Amy Speace before now. To think that an album like Songs For Bright Street has been out on the market for two full years and has not been written up/played/trumpeted on every available bit of popular media is unthinkable. Amy Speace is an inimitable talent, and Songs For Bright Street is a masterpiece.

Let’s get the comparisons out of the way. Yes, there is a vocal resemblance to Rosanne Cash, but as a songwriter Amy Speace is non-pareil. Delving into the heartbreak and melancholy of country music with a folk/rock sensibility and a class and reserve reflective of the best of Alison Krauss, Amy Speace has created an album full of classic tunes that cannot be ignored or denied.

The Real Thing is the sort of country/rock anthem that should support Ms. Speace for the rest of her life. It has a universality and classic feel to it that should make it covered by other artists for generations to come (ala These Boots Are Made For Walkin’). Step Out Of The Shade is the sort of feel-good song that tends to do very well on country/pop radio these days. The song itself is outstanding, and pales in comparison to much of the remaining material on Songs For Bright Street. Two is the sort of song that gets chosen as first-dance material at country-themed weddings, and is quite simple, a beautiful ballad.

Other highlights include Make Me Lonely Again, Shed This Skin, Right Through To Me and Double Wide Trailer. Songs For Bright Street closes out with the pensive Home, which serves as an exclamation point on Speace’s lyric ability. The fact is that Amy Speace is one of the most exquisite talents I’ve had the pleasure to review thus far. As a songwriter I would put her in a class with the likes of Jason Plumb, Lyle Lovett or Randy Newman.

Songs For Bright Street is a Desert Island Disc. In a perfect world Amy Speace could buy all the desert islands she wanted from the proceeds of this disc. If you don’t own this album then you can’t think of your music collection as being complete. Songs For Bright Street gets Wildy’s World’s highest recommendation.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Amy Speace at www.amyspeace.com. You can purchase a copy of Songs For Bright Street at www.cdbaby.com/amyspeace3, at Amazon.com, or as download through iTunes.

Wildy's World Top 25 CDs: The Final Five

Here it is folks. You've been waiting five whole days to find out who will be #1, so you can be impatient and skip to the end of the post and find out. Or you can practice a little self control and wait for it... :)

Honestly, once you get down into the top 6 it becomes a matter of mood on a given day. I've rearranged these several times and listened to the top 6 albums several times over in the past couple of weeks trying to find an edge or a reason to change. This list I am comfortable with today, but ask me again in a few weeks and there could be swap here or there.

So with that qualifier, and without further a do...

#5


The Hollyfelds - Saratoga
The Hollyfelds are perhaps one of the finest working alt-country bands I've come across at any time. Their musical vision is a thing of beauty, and their execution is perfect. I'd put my money down for a Hollyfelds recording anytime.

#4


Mike Ford - Canada Needs You, Volume 2
Mike Ford has been writing and performing great songs for years, both on his own and with Moxy Fruvous. He is one of the true gems of Modern Canadian music. Even though the subject matter in his songs does not tread the beaten paths of pop music, he is an incredible songwriter and a prima performer.

#3


Woodward - But Your Kids Are Gonna Love It
Woodward has it all. Incredible sound, amazing songs and a feeling like they were born to do this. For pure entertainment value, this was the best CD I've heard all year.

#2


Tally Hall - Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Tally Hall made the jump from Indie to Major Label (Atlantic Records) in 2008. Atlantic released this disc, originally recorded in 2005 by the band, without changes (other than perhaps some remastering). This may well be the Sergeant Pepper of this generation.

AND FINALLY... #1


Jason Plumb & The Willing - Beauty In This World
Jason Plumb is a sorely undervalued talent in his home country of Canada, and is virtually unknown in the United States and beyond. This is odd, because he is probably one of the finest songwriters of his generation. Shaking off his old band, The Waltons, for The Willing, seems to have set Jason completely free. This album is a work of art.

CD Review: Peter Bloom Band - Random Thoughts (from a paralyzed mind)

Peter Bloom Band – Random Thoughts (from a paralyzed mind)
2008, Peter Bloom

I could spend time talking about all of the awards Peter Bloom has won for songwriting and performing, but you can find that on his website if you care to look. What I do want to tell you about is his wonderful debut album, Random Thoughts (from a paralyzed mind). Evoking thoughts of Paul McCartney, Jason Plumb and Jim Cuddy, Peter Bloom writes inspired lyrics and envelopes them in beautifully constructed songs.

There are no weak tracks here, but there are definite standouts. Helping Hand is ensconced in beautiful harmonies, and is delivered in a musical form that would make Blue Rodeo proud. Let It Go sounds like what McCartney always strived for and perhaps never quite made. A Little More Love is a beautiful piano driven ballad that will have lighters in the air on summer nights.

Far and away the most moving track on the album is Weight Of The World. This track alone will likely have the repeat button on your CD player worn out within the week.

In spite of all the references to other musicians above, the sound that Peter Bloom has crafted is very much his own. Beatles comparisons are definitely valid because of the quality of the songwriting, vocals and musicianship, but Peter Bloom is a singular talent. His Americana infused pop-rock should bring him much success in a perfect world.

Random Thoughts comes with Wildy’s World’s highest recommendation. Peter Bloom is going places. You’ll want to be along for the ride.

Rating: Five Stars (Out of Five)

You can learn more about Peter Bloom at www.peterbloom.ca. You can purchase Random Thoughts on his website or through www.maplemusic.com.