The disc opens with “Closer To
That Flame,” which has something of a bluesy folk vibe, but with a steady and
prominent beat that puts it more in the rock world. However, the vocals are
really what give this track its power. It’s not just those moments when he
belts out the lyrics, but when he draws us near with his voice. There is a
palpable anxiety to this song, an uncertainty but also a resiliency. That’s
followed by the album’s title track, “The Wind,” which has more of a folk
sound, with banjo. But while the banjo is usually a cheerful instrument, here
it manages to add to this song’s beautifully sad sound. “Why
don’t the wind blow me away/Why don’t the wind blow me down.” And of course
I love the cello. This is a moving and completely engaging song, with a
southern flavor to its sound. “But I’m
here to stay.”
“Oh Lord” has an intimate feel
at the start, the acoustic guitar working to pull us in. It is a song of loss
and despair, yet of strength, like a cry out to the universe. And that cello is
so damn good. “Oh Lord,” by the way, is one of the songs that wasn’t included
on the original release. That’s followed by “Fly,” another compelling and
beautiful track, with some wonderful vocal work as well as more good stuff on
banjo. “I hold the light of my life/I
hope that I’ll get it right/Get it right/And let her fly.” This song is
about the birth of his daughter, and while I often find that songs written
about one’s children are among the weakest of an artist’s work, this particular
tune is one of my personal favorites of the album. It features Jeni Bolander on
backing vocals. There is a second version of this song, titled “Fly (Ava’s
Song),” at the end of the album. This one has a different sound, delivered on
piano, and is also truly gorgeous and moving.
The album’s only cover is
Prince’s “Purple Rain.” I’ve heard several phenomenal covers of this song over
the years. Among the best versions were live performances by Martin Sexton and
The Evangenitals. This one is also up there among the best. I like the presence
of banjo, giving the song a different vibe. And those strings are gorgeous. Then
toward the end we get the addition of a wonderful saxophone part. That’s
Matthew Polashek on saxophone. What a great rendition of this beloved song. It’s
followed by “The Road,” another strong and moving track. “Time got a hold on me, it won’t let go.” Then “Maybe I” is an excellent and soulful
number, with a wonderful and effective vocal performance, probably the best on
the album. “Sure don’t know what I was
thinking/When I threw it all away/So many years in the making/Like a damn fool
I played/The game is almost over/Hate to see you walk away/I’m on my own path now/I
hope to see you again someday.” J. Tom Hnatow adds some good work on pedal
steel on this track. This is another of my favorite tracks. Then “Whisper” begins
with some nice stuff on acoustic guitar. “Let
out a scream for no one to hear/Words fall like the passing rain.” This one
kicks in with a force partway through, to become a bluesy southern rock number.
That’s followed by “Ghost,” the other song not included on the original version
of this album, and another to feature a strong vocal performance. It also features
more moving work on cello. “A heavy load
upon my mind/Letting go one more time.”
CD Track List
- Closer To That Flame
- The Wind
- Oh Lord
- Fly
- Purple Rain
- The Road
- Maybe I
- Whisper
- Ghost
- Fly (Ava’s Song)
The Wind was released on March 29, 2019 on Eastwood Records.
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