Gravity, Grace And The Moon

Not sure what 2003 might still have in store, I venture to say that Jeff Talmadge's fourth and latest release Gravity, Grace And The Moon is among my "discoveries of the year." Stuck in "Old Europe" it's not easy to keep tabs on the seemingly endless well of singer/songwriters emerging from the Austin/TX area, this one sure is a joy to listen to.

"And he said: Sing me to sleep, I'll put my head to your heart, just sing a song that we both know...." sums up for me the feeling of this collection of songs. Though all original, these melodies have an instant familiarity that bypass the brain on their way to the heart. The fine, varied and uncluttered arrangement from slow to mid-tempo can let you follow the stories while comfortably resting with the occasional toe-tapping in time. Says my mom-in-law who doesn't speak English: "What fine music!" But it helps if you can follow the stories that Jeff's raspy yet smooth voice deliver, themes that everyone can relate to, love and longing, wishing and hoping, travelling and leaving and marvelling at the mysteries of life!

So light a little fire under the stars or a fireplace, listen and start dreaming.

Track List:

1. Photograph 2. House On Fire 3. Interstate Blues 4. Little Dress 5. Beyond The Headlights (w/Karen Mal) 6. Inside The Brackets 7. Chasing Grace

8. All The Things That She'll Miss 9. Everything I Know 10. If I'd Known You Were Coming 11. Rose Tatoo 12. Alfred (w/Annie Gallup) 13. I Held A Penny

All songs by Jeff Talmadge except where noted.

Personnel:

Edited by: David N. Pyles
(dnpyles@acousticmusic.com)