Lance Cowan
Against the Grain
(Lantzapalooza Muzik)
Lance Cowan is a singular talent, but his skills intersect several realms. A skilled promoter and publicist, he’s been responsible for bringing any number of artists the recognition they so decidedly deserve. However, it’s his abilities as a singer and songwriter that find him making a belated bow. He released his debut album, aptly titled So Far So Good, last year, garnering widespread kudos. His follow-up, Against the Grain, makes it clear it wasn’t a one-shot effort, further evidence that his artistic abilities have floated about in the ethos for some time.
Cowan’s supple vocals frequently recall those of Jackson Browne or the late Glen Frey given their soothing and assuring sensibility, but it’s the songs themselves — “Once More Chance,” “I Can’t Send the Winter,” “Old King Coal,” and “More Or Less” in particular — that underscore the music’s full emotional impact.
Once again, Cowan’s enlisted a number of top-flight musicians to help convey his thoughts and sentiments — producers Jason Stelluto and Scott Paschall, Dan Dugmore on pedal steel and electric guitars, Pat Flynn on guitar, Vinny Santoro on drums and percussion, Todd Smith on keys, Jay Turner on bass and guitar, Chip Davis on organ and backing vocals, Cecilia Heurta playing cello and Billy Davis with backing vocals.
The upbeat exuberance of “Ragged Edge of Nothing,” the sweet sentiments echoed through “Prayer for a Child” and the tender trappings of “Love Anyway” further testify to Cowan’s craft and credence, making this something akin to an album for the ages.
– Lee Zimmerman
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