Read our review of ‘I Like It Down Here’ from Will Kimbrough
Will Kimbrough – I Like It Down Here – Out April 19
By Rob Dickens
Will Kimbrough is a prolific and much-in-demand person.
An Alabama native he now lives in Nashville, which is fitting. In a town driven by music and replete with so many great players, he manages, not only to make a living, but to stand out amongst his peers.
This talented and diligent individual’s standing is impressive and rising even higher as word inevitably passes. Songwriter, singer, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, solo recording artist, producer, creator, collaborator – all he touches is ‘A’ grade. As the Americana Music Association 2004 Instrumentalist of the Year, his songs have been recorded by Little Feat, Jimmy Buffett, Todd Snider, Hard Working Americans and Jack Ingram.
He has produced Buffett, Shemekia Copeland (which has been nominated for Album Of The Year) Doug Seegers and Radney Foster. He has toured with Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell and Todd Snider.
As a collaborator, he has recorded a duets album with Brigitte DeMeyer, issued three releases with Tommy Womack under the banner of DADDY, and is a member of the terrific Alabama group Willie Sugarcapps.
I Like It Down Here (out April 19 on Soundly Music) is his ninth solo release since 2000. It oozes classes from the very first note. The narratives revolve around the current political bifurcation and hark back to his Alabama upbringing, family ties and his start as a whiz kid guitarist.
The opener “Hey Trouble” brilliantly combines a blues lyrical aesthetic with a soaring alt.country/pop arrangement. The title track is insistent and ironic and “Alabama (For Michael McDonald)” chillingly portrays the last public lynching in Alabama (as recently as 1981!). “Buddha Blues” grinds with distorted guitar and presents a stark sonic landscape while “When I Get To Memphis” has a breezy RnB vibe over highly evocative imagery.
“Salt Water & Sand” is gorgeous. A ballad which has a Springsteen feel of redemption – escaping troubles and regrets for a while by joyously dipping your toes in the healing coastal water.
The recurrent riff of “Anything Helps” is irresistible while the closing “Star” provides clear evidence of Kimbrough’s vocal skills. When the latter finishes, the silence is deafening as happens with great musical works.
I Like It Down Here is another riveting indication of Will Kimbrough‘s seemingly limitless powers.
As well as Kimbrough, the album features Chris Donohue (bass) and Bryan Owings (drums and percussion) with guest spots from Copeland, Savana Lee Crawford, Anthony Crawford, DeMeyer, Lisa Oliver-Gray, Jim Hoke and Dean Owens. It was recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville and produced by Kimbrough.
Here’s a live clip of the title track:
Via Conqueroo
Read our review of ‘I Like It Down Here’ from Will Kimbrough
