Search - Jeff Black :: Tin Lily

"Tin Lily" is a tapestry of musical riches

C. Embry | Louisville, KY USA | 09/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A frequently used term by reviewers of Jeff Black's music is "songwriter's songwriter," a description most apropos to Black's artistry on his latest release. Quite simply, there are few singer/songwriters today (Richard Thompson and David Gray being notable exceptions) capable of penning inspired lyrics with the literacy, depth and poignancy found in the stellar mix of songs gracing "Tin Lily."



And a very eclectic mix of melodious songs it is -- from the radio-friendly rocker, "Libertine," to the achingly beautiful ballad, "Nineteen," to the rollicking piano tune, "Free at Last," rendered with soul-shaking gospel fervor.



It is evident from the grit and angst peppered throughout this album that Black has encountered his share of life's adversities. He sings of loss, freedom, struggle, mystery and hopelessness, yet he emerges grateful for life's simple pleasures, which he perceives could indeed be "heaven now."



Strong powerful vocals are supported by brilliant instrumentation from master musicians, including Will Kimbrough (electric guitar), Jody Nardone (piano/organ) and mandolin-god Sam Bush, who also shines on fiddle. Black contributes on accoustic/electric guitars, keyboards, piano and harmonica.



In the final analysis, though, it is the sheer poetry of Black's music that sets him apart from the masses. He thinks and writes sensitively and metaphorically, so he engages both the heart and the intellect in a way that takes the listener to a deeper level of emotional investment in his music.



From "Hollow of Your Hand" --

love has thrown a light

across the shadows of this land

living in the hollow of your hand.



From "Closer" --

there is a place

where we never wonder

far away from this

despair

where the folly

is forgotten

will you meet me there?



My CD purchases this year include new releases by the aforementioned Thompson and Gray, as well as Springsteen and Clapton, but Jeff Black's "Tin Lily" is the standout of the year!"

With keen ability to be both laconic and passionate, Black s

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 08/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 47:09 -- Jeff Black is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, keys, harmonica) whose Americana music incorporates influences of country, folk and rock stylings. His songs have been covered by Waylon Jennings, Sam Bush, Lisa Brokop, Jo-El Sonnier, Blackhawk and others. Although Arista Records put out his debut album, it is the Dualtone label that has now signed Black and released "Tin Lily." With all lyrics included in the CD's jacket, one should tune into his messages to see if they are memorable by providing inspiration, insight, or enlightenment. Or if his lyrics tell striking stories with some of his own interpretive twists and experiences along the way. Many of his songs give us his pensive considerations for homemade simplicity, the state of life and relationships. Others are quite uplifting as they encourage personal introspection and reflection. Black's audiences are listening, and they are paying rapt attention to his more exhilarating material.



Black associates with some veteran musicians. Kenny Vaughn and Will Kimbrough play electric guitars. Dave Roe and Dave Jacques play the bass, while drums/percussion are ably played by Craig Wright. Piano or organ are laid into the mix for two songs by Jody Nardone . Sam Bush (mandolin, fiddle) appears on a few tracks, and backup vocals are tastefully rendered by Mathew Ryan and Kate Campbell.



The Black stock is a hearty working-class one made up of industrious people who weren't afraid to get their hands dirty in the quest for success. Perseverance may be the key. Realizing that "the hard way out is hopeless," Black also isn't trying to prove anything to anyone. He's merely letting his unique spiritually-tinged music speak for itself as he sings his songs that largely address country values. Born in Kansas City, Jeff Black has been compared to the likes of Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Harry Chapin and Steve Goodman.



Sharing the same stage with Steve Earle, Shawn Colvin, John Hammond, Guy Clark and others will continue to build Black's fanbase among patrons of music that sits outside the mainstream. Black is creating a powerful body of work as he explores his concern for ordinary life. With a keen ability to be both laconic and passionate, Jeff Black sings organic songs that are meant to be personally interpreted for meaning in one's own life. Let's hope he can find great success without becoming an articulate anachronism. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)

"

Heaven Now!

Vinzo | Boston, MA United States | 07/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This could be heaven now. Jeff Black's latest is just that; a bit of heaven now. Another great collection of songs and styles from the master songwriter. When I saw Jeff in the Berkshires earlier this year, he told me that he had written many songs and would be taking them out on the road. Don't miss him live or any of his other albums. Tin Lily covers much ground. There is a spiritual theme which runs throughout many of the songs, not in a preachy way, but in very soothing acknowlegment that there's a greater good. Jeff has brought in a great group of musicians to augment his playing. Great work again from Jody Nardone on piano and the other players. Highlights for me, so far: "Free at Last" a roll down the windows and drive kind of song. "These Days", "Easy on Me" and the beautiful "Heaven Now" continue to show a tenderness in his writing and sweetnees in that very rich voice. There is a warmth and comfort in these songs which shows, once again, that Jeff Black remains one of the great American songwriters and musicians. Bravos for this great work."