Search - Richard Berman :: Storied Lives

ONE OF OUR FINEST SONGWRITERS -- WHY IS HE SO 'UNKNOWN'?

Larry L. Looney | Austin, Texas USA | 09/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Richard Berman is, in my opinion, one of the finest songwriters working in America today. His songs are multi-dimensional, melodic, literate and heartfelt -- they cover a wide range of subjects. The fact that he's not widely known speaks more to the narrow scope of American radio than to the quality of his work.STORIED LIVES is a simply arranged project -- it's very indicative of Richard's live performances. The songs here are presented by Richard's smooth, unpretentios voice, and are accompanied by his acoustic guitar -- a few are graced by the talents of Kate Wallace (harmony vocals), Chris Devine (fiddle, pennywhistle), Chris Haynes (accordion, piano), and a couple of other fine musicians. The added instruments lend their voices to the songs in such a way as to enhance the material, never weighing it down unnecessarily.Richard's songs are well-crafted and accessible glimpses into the lives, thoughts and emotions of a wide variety of people, real and imagined, contemporary and historical. Icarus' father recalls the moment when his son fell from the sky -- a poignant look at the Greek myth. A conversation between a poor Mexican fisherman and a wealthy, successful, self-made American reveals some simple but undeniable truths about what really brings happiness. Returning to Greece, mining their classic drama this time, Berman retells the story of Oedipus in a wryly humorous tune that will forever color the way I perceive that story. A chance encounter between a hitchhiking youth -- with at best vague ideas of what he's running to or from -- and an old cowboy who gives him a lift leaves both the hitchhiker and the listener a bit wiser.Some of the songs are more personal, more pointed in their purpose and message. 'Let him know your heart' contains gentle, good advice to us all -- in any relationship, honest, open communication is the key. Whether the relationship thrives or dies, we owe each other that. Cherishing the moment is addressed in 'How old is your boy' -- those of us who are parents know how quickly our children grow up. 'Song to my father' literally aches for real, valid, communication and honesty between generations. There's even a song about West Texas schoolboy football -- little recognized as an organized religion by most parts of the nation, but they've never been to 'Odessa'. Berman based this song on the book FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS -- and it very vividly captures the spirit with which the people of Texas embrace this form of the game.These songs are quite simply amazing -- well-crafted, moving and relevant. Richard is a talented writer and performer, gently unassuming, warm and honest -- if you enjoy contemporary folk music, you owe it to yourself to give him a listen. There aren't many out there who are creating on this level of eloquence."