Wednesday, August 15, 2007


Cliff Eberhardt – The High Above & The Down Below (Red House Records).

This is Cliff Eberhardt’s first album in 5 years and features 12 original songs. The eponymous title track is up first and is roots with a blues/rock punch. It is acoustic led and highlights the gritty quality to his voice. Missing You is slow and brings to mind many other American singer/songwriter offerings of the past – it’s of that high standard. It’s Home Everywhere I Go keeps the pace on the slow side and his voice is easy on the ear. The Next Big Thing is bluesy Americana and The Right Words is a piano ballad that conjures up images of the piano player in the corner of a bar with an upright bass player beside him. After The Rain Falls is an easy paced acoustic song that is short and to the point.

Assembly Line is another excellent understated song which is well constructed. Dug Your Own Grave confirms a Tom Waits feel to his music and shows him as another great American songwriter. Let This Whole Thing Burn has a slight Latin tinge and a strong performance. New Is What’s Come Over You is relaxing and I’m All Right is contemporary Country. The final song is Goodbye Again and it is no surprise that he closes with another quiet song. Most of the album is on the gentle side but having said that, he still manages to show many different facets to his voice.

http://www.redhouserecords.com/
http://www.cliffeberhardt.net/

David Blue.

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