Another "must have" from a soon-to-be known band...
This disc, "A Place To Call My Own", is Taylor Harvey's sophomore effort, but the first with his new band. This CD, from the opening acoustic strains of the title track to the ending chords of "Audrey's Song", is simply non-stop, old-school rock-n-roll.
While Harvey handles all of the lead vocals like the pro that he is, guitarist Tim Edwards lends his backing-vocal ability to songs like "Roadhousin'", "Tease", and "Long Walk Home". Edwards also offers up tasteful, yet indispensible, lead tracks throughout the disc.
For those wanting a change of pace about four songs in, check out "One Of These Days". This is country music at its' finest, yet with a tint of rock surrounding it. A fun, foot-stomping song to make you want more of what's to come.
My favorite track on this disc is "G.I. Blue". This song is heavy on subtle acoustic guitar, but strong in its' simple message. "G.I. Blue" tells the story of a lifelong friend gone much too soon. In this day and age of military uncertainties around the world, this one brings the effects of world events home in a simple, yet overwhelming, tribute to a friend who came home one last time.
Now, the band as a whole...
It's clear that Tim Edwards is the consumate professional, never over-playing or understating his parts. His sense of what fits is uncanny, and he always slips comfortably into the groove of what's surrounding him musically.
Now, a lot of what surrounds Edwards is courtesy of drummer Jaron Lyons and bassist Steve Campana. Lyons and Campana are clearly on the same page, and provide a rock solid base on which to support the song. Harvey's own guitar playing prowess is evident all over this disc, as well. It's not something you necessarily notice, but that's because it's a perfect fit. Take it away, and the void would be enormouos.
Taylor Harvey is a guy who, initially, I thought I'd compare to Tom Petty and Jimmy Buffett. Then I thought, no, he's more like Jim Croce or Harry Chapin. Then it dawned oon me: he's like all of these guys, with maybe a little John Hiatt thrown in for good measure. He can write the whimsical "Nothing To Complain About Blues" in a style reminiscent of Buffett and, in the very next breath, pen something like "G.I. Blue", evoking memories I have of Harry Chapin.
Harvey, not unlike a chameleon, can change color to fit the mood he's in at any given time, in such a way that the change is absolutely seamless; completely natural. This is something that's just too rare these days, and it's refreshing to see it when it happens.
Now, rarely is something like this a one-man-show, or even a one-band-show. Producer Steve Langdon exhibits his formidable production chops while at the helm of this recording. It's clear that Langdon is a musician's producer. Frankly, I can't think of a higher compliment to give to someone who gets to sit behind a mixing board while the guys in the band get to have all the fun playing music.
The fact, though, is that Langdon (who's also a pretty good guitarist in his own right) knows exactly how to communicate with the musicians to get onto a recording that which they really want on the recording. This isn't a talent that's learned; you won't find it in bookos or by surfing the internet. It's a talent that's nurtured and realized only through experience.
All in all, I'm of the opinion that "A Place To Call My Own" should find its' way into the rotation of every home CD player. I know it found its' way into mine.
Steve Parr
San Diego
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a nice, easy listen with depth and meaning.