So far this has been an incredible year for album releases, just when I think it can't get any better it does. The latest to perk up my senses is the newest endeavor from singer songwriter David Wilcox. Into the Mystery is just a perfect example of great songwriting, playing and production. This latest addition to the Wilcox library was produced by Monk mastermind Ric Hordinski. The players on the project include David on voice and guitar and Ric on electric guitars, lap steel, octave 12 string guitar, percussion, bass loops and treatments. Also along for the ride are Josh Seurkamp on drums, percussion and loops, Phil Keaggy on bass and Paul Patterson on violin and mandolin. Rounding out the cast are Nance Pettit and Renee Frye on backing vocals. I know that David usually performs as a solo artist but my mouth waters at the thought of seeing this group playing live in some small dark club.
The majority of the tunes here are solo Wilcox compositions but David has collaborated on a number of tunes with such writers as Pierce Pettis, Tom Prasada Rao and Maia Sharp. With a crew like this how can you go wrong, if this disc is any example, you can't. In the liner notes David states that his first ten recordings were practice and that now he is ready to play. A quote from the notes reads: "Like the fragrance of the roses that can reach you through the cracks around your door love speaks to your heart. Please, ask for more." This just about sums up the overall feel of this album, it is a love song from an artist to his fans.
I have gotten a few albums since this one came my way but I keep returning to this album for the pure joy of listening to some outstanding music. David, Ric, et al thank you for some mighty fine musical moments. So far I tend to think that "If It Wasn't For The Night" a Wilcox, Pettis composition is my favorite song of the year. There is one picture on the inner sleeve of David's hands on his guitar neck that is worth the price of the CD in and of itself. Check out the web site at www.davidwilcox.com
5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Steve StockmanIf James Taylor was twenty years younger, had a little more edge to his guitar playing, was a whole lot more lucid in his poetry--which was more intrusive to the heart and mind and soul in bringing provocation, healing and illumination of beauty--then he still would not be as good as David Wilcox, but he might be compared to him! Into the Mystery is Wilcox's eighth studio album in 15 years, and…Similar sounding releases
1996Pierce PettisMaking Light of It
2002Randy StonehillEdge of The World
2000Martyn JosephThunder and Rainbows
2000Richard ShindellSomewhere Near Paterson
1997Keith RosenhagenThe Other Side
2005John PrineFair & Square
