Clearly Paul Marturano (http://www.paulmarturano.com) was too good for "American Idol." Recorded prior to his infamous "American Idol" bit of performing his song "Stalker" to Paula Abdul, "Bucks County" sounds like the work of a different artist. There are no goofball antics on this record; in fact, it's pretty somber, reflecting on love lost and found. It can be caustic, too, as on "Strings Attached," wherein Marturano busts out of a one-sided, suffocating romantic relationship. Those who miss Billy Joel's edgier side (no, not "Uptown Girl") will be able to spot the influence here.
Marturano is actually a pianist - and a stellar one at that. Actually, his piano playing is better than his singing, which is fine but not extraordinary. If Elton John was seriously bummed out, I could imagine him doing "Maybe Tomorrow," a slow, sorrow-stricken track wherein Marturano is holding out for another day of possible fulfillment. "Hello Again" features some spirited piano playing although its lyrics are not as cheerful as the music is trying to illustrate. Marturano engages a bluesy delivery for "Checking Out the Goods," which is a lighthearted ode to girl watching.
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"Bucks County" is much better than I expected from anybody associated with "American Idol." Even Abdul never put out a respectable LP such as this.
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