Vince Bell
Live in Texas
Independent Release

by Al Kunz

Each of us is full of too many wheels, screws and valves to permit us to judge one another on a first impression or by two or three external signs.
--Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

A commodity appears at first sight an extremely obvious, trivial thing. But its analysis brings out that it is a very strange thing, abounding in metaphysical subtleties and theological niceties.
--Karl Marx

Last week I'd never heard of Vince Bell. Always eager to hear new artists, at least new to me, I sampled the first few tracks as soon as I'd received his new disc. My initial impression was - let's just say I decided to listen to the rest later.

Don't believe your first impression.

Imagine a songwriters night where only one performer shows up, or a folk singer at your local coffee shop. Now capture this to tape - we'll skip the overdubs and slick tricks - use just enough production to sound professional. What you have is Vince Bell's Live in Texas, recorded virtually solo with only minimal backup on electric guitar from Shakin' Apostle Cam King.

What you also have is both the eventual appeal of the disc, and the reason why that appeal may take a few listenings to become evident. Vocally Bell combines the gruff sound of John Prine with the lethargic delivery of the Cowboy Junkies' Margo Timmins. The minimal instrumentation push Bell's singing to center stage, but it also provides a chance to listen to and absorb the message of the lyrics. As with Prine, or even Bob Dylan for some, it may take a few repetitions before the charm of the vocals really take hold.

Nine of the eleven cuts were penned by Bell, covers of Bruce Cockburn's "Tokyo" and "Two Lane Blacktop" by David Rodriguez round out the set. In the opening track "Say That You Will" he sings about the dance of romance.

Some say that you might
some say that you will.

They swear in the light
they say you're a thrill.

Go on and hide if you like
I always loved it when you did.

But when you step back in the light
let the masquerade continue.

Say that you will.

The modern day "Folk Song" takes aim at some of the less savory qualities of the modern world.

The country is a cartoon of degrading violence
overrun by predators with letterheads.

Traffic in betrayal crowd the freeway ramps
cardboard signs and sacred cows are left to rot.

No doubt you will discern the cut in my tone
and that lustrous glitter
which brought smallpox to the New World.

If your music has to be played at high volume, have drums, or screaming guitars ­ this isn't for you. If you appreciate lyric centric music with a folkish leaning you should give Live in Texas a chance, just don't be fooled by first impressions. Visit www.vincebell.com for the Vince Bell story. You'll discover that, while new to this reviewer, Bell has previously released two critically acclaimed albums. Ordering information, sample songs, and complete lyrics are also available.

Contact Al Kunz at kunz-at-rockzilla.net

 
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