Good afternoon, everyone!
I know I’m coming in way late on this review. Bob changed things up around here for me earlier in the week, stayed home an extra day and we were on the go right up to the minute he left town.
Thank you for
your patience.
By now you know
my reviews are less about the instrumentation, the technicalities of an album and
more about the soul. While all the albums I share encompass all those things, I
think sometimes we lose the heart and soul of an album in all the ‘stuff’. TEMPTATION ROW is all about the heart.
TEMPTATION ROW opens up with a sweet bluesy number. Runnin’ Away draws you in. I had the feeling of being on a dark, deserted street late at night feeling as if I needed to keep watching over my shoulder.
Dancing With Him has that slow travel around the dancehall. The mandolin is prominent in this romantic tune that just has you closing your eyes and swaying along as you remember your own special moment. As you’re remembering that special someone, are you thinking Shoulda Woulda Coulda?
Hot Rod takes on a young man’s journey, connecting with each of us on some level. Whether we’ve lost someone close or known someone who has, we’ve all had that experience. Empathy.
Do you hear that? The train whistle in the distance is the Cresson Train. (Cresson TX) Depending on where you are in the commuter line waiting to cross (wait time could be up to 45 minutes!) that whistle may be farther away for some. The pickin’ rhythm mimics the clickety clack on the tracks while the lyrics lament over the patience one must have.
When I hear the opening strains of The Lady, I thought of a jewelry box I used to have with the pirouetting ballerina. The lyrics, however, is a gentle reminder to men everywhere to take care of ‘the lady’. Pay attention to every nuance and treat her like the lady she is.
Temptation Row has a dark, maleficent undertone and a story to match. Call it a warning or a premonition. If ever the term ‘stay out of dark alleys’ fit, the lyrics here bring it home.
The final track, Suzanne, is an echo to Wayne’s past – the earlier days and influences of his career as well as the opportunity to hear his English ancestry.
As a folk artist, at first I hear a touch of Arlo Guthrie but as I listened I hear so much more. I hear a depth of soul seldom encountered in today’s music. True artistry in the building of both lyrics and tone.
I’m tipping my hat:
.7
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