“Thief and Rescue” is that rare album in which each song makes a distinctly favorable impression yet the collection maintains the sweep and hang of a single, expertly created tapestry. 

I discovered Lee Barber in 1997 when he performed with his wife Elaine in their playful, often jazzy band, The Barbers. I became an enthusiastic fan of Lee’s golden touch—with lyrics, with his voice, both powerful and gently trembling at times, and with his way of strumming a song to fiery aliveness. 

When the band and the marriage came to an end several years ago, Lee entered a new phase as a songwriter and this, his first solo effort, is an accomplished debut that collects those years into a flowing musical document. Both smiling and sorrowful by turns, the songs on “Thief and Rescue” are also philosophical, sexy and fun. 

Particular favorites of mine include “The Monkey and the Ass,” a farewell to love which sways with beats bossa nova- and beatles-ish;  “Darla,” a
commanding, musically dark-and-light waltz performed with Will Sheff of Okkervil River, which calls to mind an ‘old country’ folk song; “1000 Miles,” a bluesy, down-and-dirty lament that showcases Lee’s gift for turning a simple image and melody into a passion-packed portrait; and “Way Back,” a Barber’s-era song that features ex-wife Elaine on harp. This last is an upbeat ditty with the delightful refrain, “My heaven goes, ‘shoo-be-doo.’”

The album was co-produced by Brian Beattie, who brings added fullness and depth to Lee’s sound by introducing strings, horns, and a lap steel guitar on many of the tracks. “Gloryland Bus Driver” and “Mosquito” are good examples of the winning collaboration between Barber and Beattie.

The final song, “Let’s Get Lost,” made me think of the open road and its eternal promise of forward momentum. Featuring softly blowing French horn and trumpet, marked by a percussive downbeat, the song eventually breaks loose and enters a rocking jam session that seems to signal that Lee, our guide on this musical journey, has gotten clear of grief and taken flight.
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