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Reddick’s
Blues is intended for the thinking man; yet he’s fully engaged
in literate and often obscure allusions. Such poets as
William Blake and Kenneth Rexroth have influenced
his work, while Paul’s a huge admirer of such legends as
Sleepy John Estes and Fred McDowell.
Villanelle’s every tune is imbued with a catchy melody or
assertive rhythmic line, allowing the most casual the listener
to instinctively breathe in the meaning of it all. 'Rattlebag'
earned unreserved acclaim for Paul Reddick, but
Villanelle deserves even more hosannas. Little beyond 2-4
instruments per track get availed to their maximum potential,
lending an aura of simplicity to profound musings. Reddick’s
rich inner world is fully revealed, and the results are
enchanting. The best advice in approaching Villanelle’s
15 tracks and 65 minutes is to exercise maximum patience. Set
aside 2 worthwhile hours to soak up its overall flow and
direction (it’s like a very good read). Determining which
tracks give extra pleasure is no easy task. Simply put,
there’s not an unwanted note or hint of pretension to impede
full enjoyment. Two of the first 3 tracks (Winter Birds,
Villanelle) are firmly ensconced in the old-timey
country tradition, and Reddick’s voice—forlorn, desolate, and
moving--has never been more effective. Luck In Love is
another gorgeous offering, its drone groove accompanied by
Reddick’s full-bodied harp. During the 15 tracks, I counted a
mere handful of straight-ahead acoustic Blues with those like
Big Not Small, Waves, and Burning Fuse
packing an emotional wallop, but especially noteworthy is
Hook’s In The Water. There’s so much more to praise, but
space is insufficient. However, Round This Time Of Year,
with its whispery and delicate phrasings is deserving of
special bestowal--probably as compelling a piece as anything
Reddick’s ever done. The subsequent track Five Silver
Dollars is every bit as moving. Twin beauties! First there
was Harry Manx (West Eats Meet), then Michael Jerome
Browne (w/ Twin Rivers String Band), and now to finalize
2004’s triangle, behold the joys of Villanelle. Anyone
who feels that the best in contemporary acoustic Blues and
Roots isn’t emerging from Canada just isn’t paying attention.
MP3 -
Five Silver Dollars |
Stone Indigo | |
