Back in the late '60s and early '70s, being musically eclectic in rock & roll was considered a positive thing, not a kiss of death in a tightly-formatted pop scene. That sort of artistic courage, and its later commercial acceptance, had much to do with the groundbreaking work of the Beatles.
Dave Christensen (http://www.davidchristensen-online.com) has inherited that maverick spirit, mixing varied ingredients in his song like a master chef. Borrowing elements from jazz, funk, blues, roots rock, and soul, Christensen has just about summarized a hundred years of American music in one album.
In most singer/songwriter releases, the focus is often on the lyrics, for both the artist and the listener. Whether Christensen is aware of it or not, the music here is so dazzling that often I am not conscious of what he is singing. On "The Cafe Below My Window," Christensen, recalling G. Love here, lays down a funky, bluesy vibe so infectious that his words became invisible to me. I'm sure on repeated listens I will begin to acknowledge his lyrics; for now, though, I am too mesmerized by the music to take note.
|
None of the tunes on this CD sound alike. Yet from the hyperkinetic jazzy instrumental "Come On" to the chamber pop of "Until" to the Gospel-flavored "The Ramblin' Toss," it never feels as if Christensen has lost control of the wheel. He's completely in command, and he'll have you in the palm of his hands.
|
