Joe Bridge is from Sequim, Washington, and his new album has been released on the Hey Gang! label. It was recorded and mixed in Sequim and mastered by Gabriel Murray in Chilliwack, British Columbia.
Bridge says he was moved to record these songs because “I see a mounting propensity to blame the other… I wanted to give people an opportunity to imagine the universe teeming with life forms that have no greater enjoyment than pursuing their callings to be of service to those most in need, who view people of all races as profoundly valuable souls.” In layman’s terms, many of these songs are apparently about aliens, and the hope of a better future they might represent. Musically, this album had me thinking about indie vs. major label releases. Anyone with a passing familiarity can attest that the songwriting and musicianship in homegrown music are at least as good (if not better) than many commercially promoted artists. So what’s the real difference? I believe it’s the vocals. Sample any major label act, and most of the focus is on lead singers with voices that grab you by the lapels. Indie singers, by and large, sound HOMEY, often burying their shortcomings with excessive processing or by hiding themselves deep in the mix. I’m not saying that Joe Bridge has a major-label voice. However, the difference with Bridge is the fearlessness of his vocal performances. In nearly every song, he's naked and out front, without blankets of post production tricks. There’s almost a Peter Gabriel quality, not technically or tonally but in the honesty and vulnerability of his singing. At other times I’m reminded of smooth-jazz singer Michael Franks. Bridge’s songs are definitely lyrics-driven, so NOT putting those words front and center would be self-defeating. The musical backgrounds are just as surprising. Again, not every inch of air space is filled with sound. Instruments are given room to breathe and make statements, then step back and let others peek in. Generally the songs are built from drum programs, jazzy bass, subtle keyboards and slinky, glean guitar lines. Most of the tracks are long takes with a slow build. The instruments seem to be having internal dialogues that feel slightly removed from the songs, as if the parts sometimes don’t care whether we’re listening or not. The title track “We Are Rising” is a reggae romp with Bridge’s voice prominent, surrounded by percolating keys and sweet high-end guitars. Lyrically it’s a statement of purpose: “There is no man who has ever acquired such great power / that he could not be overthrown by the people.” It’s maybe a tad simplistic but most certainly heartfelt - especially now! “Pass The Point” features stop-start backgrounds with a more traditional rock beat alongside Bridge’s vocals, and appears to be about a utopia that might just turn into a Singularity. “Rosebud” again provides a bucketful of lyrics seemingly concerned with world prosperity, wrapped in vaguely sexual innuendo: “I see you as a rosebud / about to blossom forth in all its glory.” “Technical Difficulties” combines multiple vocal overdubs, keyboards and tasty guitar licks for a funky Paul Simon-like tune, especially with its “Boxer” like chorus. Bridge seems to be exploring the very building blocks of the human body: “It is the oxygen / and the other life-giving elements / Vital to the cleansing of your blood stream / inhale deeply / It is amazing how little air / people take into their lungs.” Very cool broken-robot middle section with haywire beeps and jagged guitar chords, culminating in a purely funky outro with bass-y keyboard swoops. “Wrinkle In Your Twinkle” is a smooth jazz lament in the Michael Franks style, in which concerned aliens keep checking in on an indifferent planet (ours). “I Have Been With You” evokes Nicky Hopkins piano along with an irresistible Stones-like rhythm and surprising vocal harmonies. “Multiplus” ends the collection with a space-blues tune featuring busy drum patterns and cool, quick little changes in the bass and keyboard parts. This album was certainly different from many I’ve heard, and took me on an unexpected and happy journey. Sound quality is excellent and the mastering job by Gabriel Murray brought all the disparate elements into pleasing alignment.
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