Garrison Doles - Whenever I'm With You

Garrison Doles - Whenever I'm With You
2009, Garrison Doles/BMI

Somewhere on the path to becoming a world-class drinker, Garrison Doles developed a songwriting problem. Starting out with inspirations such as Joni Mitchell, Steve Goodman, Jimmy Buffet and Gamble Rogers, Doles found himself playing dark, smoky bars instead of the inspired folk clubs that first fed his passion. Doles did what any self-respecting person would do; he gave up music, went straight and got a normal life (marriage, job, kids). It didn’t take. Before long Doles was writing songs again and yearning to perform. While old demons don’t speak so loudly anymore, Doles is still captive to his muse, spinning complex and intriguing story songs with a voice that’s hard to walk away from. Doles’ latest album, Whenever I’m With You is a testament to the rode he’s walked and the happy place he finds himself in today.

Whenever I'm With You opens with "Waiting For An Angel", with Doles offers up a gentle folk/blues mixture that's subtle but with a strong melody line. The instrumentation is wonderfully crafted. "My Only Ever One" is a solid love song, mildly soulful and very much in the singer/songwriter tradition. Doles flashes his sense of humor in "Whenever I'm With You", a sweet, upbeat love song that doesn't take itself too seriously.

On "We Give Ourselves Away", Doles begins to play with the concept of laying down yourself for something greater. It's a thoughtful and honest exposition on the concepts of service and sacrifice and the guitar work is amazing. Doles periodically plays with concepts that border on the hinterlands of religion and faith on Whenever I'm With You. "Redemption" is a fine example, gilding the idea of renewal in vague terms but seeming to center on a Judeo-Christian notion of the term. "This Florida Again" looks to the future as the world is in a state of declining, bemoaning the loss of a familiar place as it slowly slips away. "The Osprey Circles" reflects a sense of wonder at the world as it has always been, an interesting turnaround. Whenever I'm With You closes with "By Your Hand", a repetitive prayer of thanksgiving that is pretty in its presentation and almost haunting in its tone.

Garrison Doles is a fine songwriter with both the voice and the guitar skills to be taken seriously on all levels. His writing style is very low-key, and you won't get the most out of Doles' songs unless you really listen. Whenever I'm With You displays a singer/songwriter at the top of his game. If you're the type to really get into lyrics and think about the music you listen to, and can also appreciate a guitar player who knows his instrument inside and out, then Whenever I'm With You needs to be on your list of albums to acquire.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Garrison Doles at http://www.garrisondoles.com/ or www.myspace.com/garrisondoles.  Whenever I'm With You is available from Amazon.com both on CD and as a Download.  The album is also available digitally via iTunes.

Review: Merlin Snider - Right Here

Merlin Snider - Right Here
2009, Barking Dog Music

Merlin Snider is a craftsman. The California-based folk singer/songwriter has been compared to such musical luminaries as Woody Guthrie, Neil Young, Phil Ochs, Steve Goodman and John Prine. Making music at his own pace and in his own time, Snider follows up his 1999 debut, Between, with 2009's Right Here; infusing distinctive guitar work and minimalist approach into newly minted classic story songs that will have listeners on the edge of their seats.

Right Here opens with Santa Cruz, putting some of the western back into Country and Western. There's a real old time feel to this song that's part polish and part simplification. The First 25 Years is a classic story song about a man who descended into drink for the first twenty-five years of his marriage, only to be rescued by the love he so long neglected. Now the protagonist looks back laments all he has missed. Snider creates a character in song so real you expect to see him sitting next to you while you listen (ala Randy Newman). Insomnia is everything its name implies, discussing all the things that can get done in the middle of night, particularly catching up on those old Gilligan's Island reruns you missed out on.

Yellow Moon is strongly reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. This dark country story song will stick with you in haunting fashion. Stuck In Ojai is a tragic comedy in song about how small town relationships can fall apart when one person moves to the big city and the other stays behind. The story here is humorous and well told (sung) in Snider's strong, clear country voice. Other highlights include Tall Trees, Molly's Got Her Red Dress On and Mama Don't Work Here.

Merlin Snider plays far enough out on the Country/Folk/Americana branch that commercial radio isn't likely to come calling soon, but he's about as fine a songwriter and story teller as you're likely to find. Right Here is a classic album; there are a few slow spots but on the whole there's little to dislike on Right Here. Make sure Merlin Snider makes it onto your "to listen to" list.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Merlin Snider at http://www.merlinsnider.com/. You can purchase a copy of Right Here at www.cdbaby.com/cd/merlinsnider or download the album from iTunes.

Review: Oneside - First, To Last

Oneside - First, To Last
2008, BOS Music

Oneside dares to be different. The Boston-based quartet plays from a love of Traditional American music, and this plays out throughout their full-length debut, First, To Last. While reveling in traditional country/folk styles, Oneside isn’t above updating their sound in the veins of jazz, rock, blues, funk, etc. The results are melodic, artful rock songs (with banjo!) that will soothe and challenge listeners as they wend their way through your consciousness to that deeper level that craves good, honest music.

The Letter opens First, To Last on a jaunty banjo-laden note. The Letter will have your toes tapping - you won't be able to resist its charm. Oh Sun continues in the energetic country/newgrass vein. Lisa slows things down a bit with a more traditional country sound. Vocalist Ned DeBary has a pleasant sound that is very easy on the ears, and eases the songs to the listener like a spoonful of sugar. Josephine has a CSNY feel to its haunting melody. Oneside finds themselves back in a country dance party groove on Got To Go; a highly commercial country/pop with traditional leanings and may well be the best song on First, To Last. Be sure also to check out Our Song, a peppy country tune that has Blue Rodeo leanings to it. Other highlights include Four Corners, Out Of My Tree, Into The Night, Last Radio and All Over Now.

Oneside has its roots firmly in country/newgrass but retains a certain pop/rock sensibility. Gorgeous melodies and strong instrumental arrangements make for a highly pleasant listen. First, To Last is a keeper that will satisfy fans of all styles of music. Country, folk and Americana fans will not be able to put this disc down.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Oneside at http://www.onesidemusic.com/, where you can purchase a copy of First, To Last as well as two other EPs from Oneside.