Several producers, songwriters & behind-the-scene people have aspired to a career & have tossed the dice. Landslide Records (in Georgia) producer, the late Bruce Baxter recorded a single wonderful album in 1983 (“Middle of the Night”). Newark, NJ songwriter Larry Weiss (who penned the classic Glen Campbell song “Rhinestone Cowboy” among many others) issued a whole LP of brilliant songs. King Crimson’s original lyricist the late Pete Sinfield recorded the progressive rock poetic LP “Still.” This is the sophomore effort by Lance Cowan (guitar/vocals), who has been behind the promotional wizard’s curtain for decades.
This new showcase starts with a heavier vintage country tradition & he takes the chance of starting the set with a ballad. It works nicely.The 10 original country-driven tunes shaved smoothly on Against the Grain (Drops March 21/Lantzapalooza Muzik/36:14) were produced by Jason Stelluto & Scott Paschall (bgv on previous songs & uncredited) in Nashville. Cowan is quite good at lyrics geared toward reminiscing, thinking positively & taking on the role of parenting & the growing divisions in the world — performed with no caustic vocal but a poignant tone.
There aren’t any searing solos, novelty tunes, or controversial edgy statements in Cowan’s music. He relies on musical spirituality rather than a religious or political oil & vinegar blend. It makes the songs carry their message without sounding like it’s pontificating.What’s admirable is that Cowan remains true to the basics of the genre but allows his stories, narrative & showcase to come from a different place in his pen than most who labor in mainstream country. “I Can’t Stand the Winter” & the lovely piano ballad “More or Less” has a pastoral sensibility.
Lance’s appeal avoids the pop-country pitfalls & sticks a memorable melody in the ears of country purists. Not so much Buck Owens/Sonny James but a cross between Mickey Newbury & Chip Taylor.
More of a commercial slant comes with “Ragged Edge of Nothing” (nice title) with lyrics not country-pop-oriented but mainstream-friendly. “Old King Coal” has Lance stepping into a puddle of Steve Earle with an invigorating Richie Furay era-Poco country groove. Lance’s higher register is loaded with enthusiasm & “Against the Grain” has a pleasant rural John Hartford tone stirred in a pot of Michael Nesmith intonation (“Silver Moon”). Nice.
The conclusion is the piano ballad “Love Anyway” that’s more middle-of-the-road/folky. Lance’s voice is perfectly suited to this duality & his work remains of interest. He’s not quitting his day job but, I’m glad he didn’t stay silent.
Highlights – “I Can’t Stand the Winter,” “More or Less,” “Ragged Edge of Nothing,” “Old King Coal,” “Against the Grain” & “Love Anyway.”
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