CD Review
Paul Reddick
Villanelle
by Sarah French
Review date: May 2005
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Imagine if you will, that you are a passenger on a train. This is not an
ordinary train, however. This train only makes stops in places with names
like Nowheresville and Burma Shave. Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash are arm
wrestling for bourbon in the smoking car - a blind man might be the conductor
of this train. While it chugs along the tracks the speed varies, slow then
fast, then slower, and on and on. This is Villanelle - the newest release
from Paul Reddick.
Inspired by the Alan Lomax field recordings and pre-war Blues masters Sleepy
John Estes and Mississippi Fred McDowell, Villanelle is modern and fresh,
while staying true to the roots of Blues music. Produced by the formidable
Colin Linden, Villanelle is a gorgeous disc, filled with lyrics that tell of
love, longing, regret and of course - Blues. . Featuring Mr. Reddick's
unmistakable harmonica tone and vocals, 'Big Not Small' is a wonderfully
heavy track, straightforward and melodic. 'Villanelle' is musically and
lyrically haunting. With violin (Kathleen Edwards) and mandolin (Colin
Linden) it carries the tradition of early American music, and can easily be
imagined playing on a 45, somewhere back in time. 'Waves' tells the story of
a wanderer, forever rolling, perhaps never to be content in one place for too
long. This track features outstanding harmonica, slide guitar and vocals. It
is a fine example of the camaraderie between Mr. Linden and Mr. Reddick.
'Round This Time of Year' is a song that everyone can relate to. A theme of
lost love and longing make this heart-wrenching track one of the highlights
of this disc. Modernized vocal loops and heavy shuffles make 'Six Was The
Six' the engine of the aforementioned train.
All in all, every one of the 15 tracks on "Villanelle" is lyrically and
musically superb. There is something for all tastes, ranging from Country to
Folk and Blues. Beautifully arranged and mastered, this disc is a very easy
listen and will certainly be regarded as a favorite by the listener and
critics alike. Paul Reddick is a master storyteller and songwriter, and he
proves it with 'Villanelle'. Visit Northern Blues Music at
http://www.northernblues.com/ for more information, or to purchase a copy of
'Villanelle'.
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