MCA

*****

Vince Gill first crossed my radar back in 1983 and over the years he has maintained a quality of music and integrity that few have matched. An impeccable vocalist, masterful guitarist and inventive songwriter, with this latest album he has created his most personal, intimate and heartfelt collection of songs in a career that has been littered with them. His autobiographical style of telling stories that involve heart and truth in a way most of us can relate to is central to this collection. He asks the listener for their trust and then guides them through an emotional and introspective journey of loss, longing, devotion and endurance. The human connection and deliberation truly make Vince Gill stand out among his modern peers.

One of the most soulful vocalists working within the country music genre he pours his heart and soul into these dozen self-penned songs offering music that is poignant, hopeful and life-giving. There are melodic highs and sentimental moments of contemplation. The gentle acoustic escape of I Don’t Want To Ride the Rails No More finds a rambling man wanting to settle down with a loving woman. The Price Of Regret tackles the despair of everyday life, turning it from hopeless to hopeful with a carefully and confidently crafted musical arrangement enhancing his sincere vocals, and relatable lyrics. Forever Changed is one of the most emotional songs I’ve heard in many a year as Vince boldly, yet with great sensitivity, tackles the difficult subject of sexual abuse of young girls. It's one of those rare recordings that no matter how many times I hear it, my eyes moisten. And Vince has never sounded better telling the heartbreaking story. Just as compelling and poignant is What Choice Will You Make, in which a pair of young teenagers let their passions get the better of them and find themselves on the brink of parenthood. Others like An Honest Man highlight the vulnerability and honesty in Vince’s voice and delivery. There’s something very appealing about the introspective nuances of Black And White, a stark and heartfelt reflection on the contemporary world and the human experience therein. The Red Words, takes the gospel teaching of Jesus into a new sphere, resulting in an affecting combination of heart and humanity.

Through 'digging deep' in his songwriting, Vince has pushed his limits vocally, as well, with stunning results. When My Amy Prays is an impassioned tribute, a life lesson, and a song-sermon all wrapped up in one of the most passionate voices in country music. He follows that with four quite different songs about people he is missing. A Letter To My Mama is full of honesty mixed with the kind of guilt many of us carry around. It is heartfelt and personal, yet equally universal. Few have the heart and soul to deliver it as effectively as this guy. Brilliantly crafted, wonderfully melodic, exquisitely poetic and flawlessly produced. Nothin’ Like A Guy Clark Song captures the essence of the late Texas songwriter so perfectly it had me grinning from ear-to-ear as pieces of Guy’s work emerge so naturally and effortlessly in the perfectly constructed lyrics. Vince has always been great at spinning a yarn. That Old Man Of Mine is a funky little tale of a son’s revenge on an abusive father that will have you hooked from the opening line to the rhythmic fade-out. A World Without Haggard speaks for itself. Damn it no! It does much more than that. I’ve been a Haggard fan ever since first hearing Lonesome Fugitive way back in 1966 and only someone who knows and appreciates the music and life of the Hag as much as I do could have come up with this masterful song. Vince Gill nails it as he provides both a perfect paean and a fond farewell to a lost friend.

OKIE exists on its own turf, carefully measured, unhurried and focused, marking a new chapter in the Vince Gill career. At its core is a singer-songwriter exploring the depths of his psyche and embraces the honesty and beauty found within. Throughout his capable, emotional voice gravitates toward intimate warmth rather than overwrought vocal gymnastics. This is the kind of music that promises to warm you up from the inside out with uncompromising quality and meticulous arrangements that border on perfection.

www.vincegill.com

July 2019