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Paul Reddick: Villanelle

By Jim Santella
October 4, 2004
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Bluesman Paul Reddick sings about the timeless topics that have traveled with American journeymen for centuries. He and guitarist Colin Linden wrote the songs on Villanelle. Together, they paint pictures of living a working-class life on the go and scratching out one's keep day by day. Pioneers, wanderers, roaming cowboys, and migrant workers have all shared the same thoughts. They've all been able to put these thoughts to music during those times when the workday is done and folks need to rest. Here, Reddick and Linden resurrect timeless themes that apply equally for today as they did long ago.

"Waves" tells of moving on. It happens. Sometimes a change is the best thing that can happen. Reddick convinces with a veteran's knack. Linden's acoustic guitar and bass ring steady alongside him in a time-tested, roots-based formula. "Round This Time of Year" resurrects a yearning feeling common to many blues ballads. Reddick's colorful use of natural landscapes in this setting gives his audience a lot to chew on. He lets the lyrics settle in, as he stretches out on a solemn harmonica oath. It's country music for the average guy and gal.

The band boogies on "Six Was the Six," a rockin' tune about gambling and taking risks. "Blue Eventide" tells of traveling the highways in search of one's destiny. "Burning Fuse" deals with relationships, while "Dog Catcher" works with one of the oldest themes in traditional blues: freedom and peace of mind. Reddick's convincing stories apply today the same way they would have two hundred years ago. His colorful album combines a strong sense of tradition with pertinent thoughts that cross our minds each and every day.

Track Listing

Winter Birds; Big Not Small; Villanelle; Luck in Love; Waves; So Long, Thank You, Goodbye; Round This Time of Year; Five Silver Dollars; Six Was the Six; Hook's in the Water; Blue Eventide; Stone of Indigo; Burning Fuse; Dog Catcher; Some Afternoon Alone.

Personnel

Paul Reddick- harmonica, vocal; Colin Linden- guitar, bass, mandolin; Bryan Owings- drums; Gary Craig- drums, percussion; Larry Taylor- bass; Richard Bell- piano, organ; Kathleen Edwards- violin on "Villanelle."

Album information

Title: Villanelle | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: NorthernBlues Music

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