Post by jptheprofessor on May 7, 2006 23:16:59 GMT -5
GREG JOSEPH – AMERICAN DIARY (Sonic Dog Music) The Clarks’ bass player, Greg Joseph, established his songwriting credibility long ago as one of the group’s principal songsmiths and lyricists. On his first solo album, American Diary, Joseph sets out to reveal some more of his own individual musical personality. Singing and playing guitars, bass and other instruments, Joseph dabbles in a number of styles apart from the mother band over American Diary’s eleven tracks; incorporating hip-hop flavors on “Tropical Depression” and “Fool’s Paradise,” a folk/blues-based style on the album opener “Mississippi Mud,” a country twang on “Danceland,” and acoustic folk-based sounds on several numbers. Only one song, the uptempo “The Morning After,” bares any strong resemblance to The Clarks. Joseph’s lyrical skills come to the forefront throughout the album, as he relates real world-based stories and reflections. He muses about the passage of time and mortality on “Two Suits” and “Down the Aisle;” realizes that change is constant on the psychedelic-flavored “Porsches, Jesus and Jeans,” and ponders a school-shooting suspect’s inspiration and provocation on “The List.” Joseph also examines themes of battling adversity, from first- and second-person viewpoints on “Liquid World,” and a third-person study on the folksy “Simon’s Window.” Joseph sings his relatable words with calmness and clarity, with occasional touches of melancholy and wit. His steady voice and sturdy presentation maintain a consistency throughout the album. Several guests help bolster and flesh out Joseph’s creations here, including his Clarks bandmate Robert James on guitars, Randy Bauman and Jordan Mroziak on piano, and drummers Ryan Hertweck, Dave Throckmorton and Sean McDonald (who also produced, mixed and engineered the album). Ultimately, American Diary accomplishes what Greg Joseph set out to do; revealing emotions and aspects of his musical personality apart from his work with The Clarks. The album further showcases Joseph’s songwriting talents, and through repeat listens exposes nuances of this performer’s gift of songcraft. Clarks fans will gain a new appreciation of what Joseph brings to the band after listening to American Diary; and listeners outside of the group’s fan base should find this album a convincing listen as well. (The album can be obtained at various CD stores or through the website www.gregjosephmusic.com.)