Description
Jeff Black – B Sides And Confessions Volume 1 – Compact Discs
B Sides and Confessions, Volume 1 is an album by American singer-songwriter Jeff Black. This album, as suggested by its title, is a collection of songs that may not have been part of Jeff Black’s more mainstream releases but still hold artistic significance.
It’s a good sign that Jeff Black has lent a helping hand to an A-list of folkies including John Prine and Iris Dement. Like these performers, he has an unusual voice, good material, and superb taste. With his rough and gruff vocals it wouldn’t be surprising to hear Black compared to Tom Waits, but unlike the booziest of singers, he can sing it smooth when he chooses and never tries on the “I’ve just crawled out of the gutter” persona.
Like any worthwhile singer-songwriter, Black pens his own material. Unlike many poets with guitars, however, his songs, like “Slip” and “Holly Roller,” never sounds like he’s busy searching for his inner child or just ended another relationship. Instead, his lyrics lean toward the elliptical, giving them a literary feel. In “Gold Heart Locket” he sings, “all night long/ I’ve been riding riding/ I should have been there by now/ but these old country roads/ got a lot of deep holes/ and the rain keeps pouring down,” slowly warming up to his theme of loss.
These songs are brought to fullness by simple arrangements and a straightforward production. Piano, guitar, and an occasional banjo are backed by bass and drums, giving Black a folk sound with a solid bottom end. The only snag on B-Sides and Confessions is that most of the songs are fairly slow paced, which causes the last two-thirds of the album to blend together. The album nonetheless succeeds in offering a singer-songwriter effort that doesn’t fall into the usual singer-songwriter clichés.
Jeff Black is known for his folk and Americana style of music, and his songwriting often delves into introspective and heartfelt themes. B Sides and Confessions, Volume 1 showcases his ability to craft emotionally resonant songs.
While B Sides collections often consist of songs that didn’t make it onto studio albums, they can provide a unique insight into an artist’s creative process and offer hidden gems that may not have received attention in their original release.
This type of album can be a treat for dedicated fans who appreciate an artist’s deeper cuts and exploration of different musical styles and themes. It allows listeners to connect more intimately with the artist’s work and gain a fuller understanding of their artistic journey.
Atlantic Records
Track Listing
1. Slip
2. Same Old River
3. Holy Roller
4. Sunday Best
5. To Be With You
6. Gold Heart Locket
7. Cakewalk
8. Bless My Soul
9. Bastard
10. Higher Ground
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