After ten years in the business, Kevin Gordon has had time to hone his craft. Each of his four records shows his attention to detail and background in writing. He graduated from the elite Iowa Writer’s Workshop in poetry. His songs are highly literature and story centered. At times they devolve into straight up stories. They’realways engaging either as stories or as melodies.
So that’s why we’re so excited to see him at the Twangville festival in two weeks at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. Not only has he prove his writing chops, but his melodies aren’t too shabby either.
An interesting story is that of “Trying To Get To Memphis.” It tells of a man and his wife trying to get a favor so they can make a trip to Memphis. He sings, “Sure enough, there’s a red car with the motor running /Â Out on the street /Â There’s a silhouette of a woman /Â Sitting there, still in the passenger seat /I’m looking in his eyes, he’s talking fast /Â Looking for something behind them /Â As he says: So you think /Â You could help me out?” Gordon tells a compelling story of the narrator and his wife. “Colfax” is a similar tune, more spoken and literate.
But Gordon has more up his sleeve. He can write a nice melody on its own just the same. See “Pecolia’s Star.” The ambling tune drips of Louisiana and the laid back style. It’s image rings true of a the portrait of an songwriter. Gordon sings in a voice reminiscent of Elvis Costello. The refrain goes, “Tell me have you seen Pecolia’s star /Â Eight points of diamonds /Â All the colors in between /Â You’d be safe and warm /Â Under Pecolia’s star /Â Shining for all the world to see.” The song showcases the feeling of Gordon.
“The One I Love” shows the more rockin’ side of Gordon. The jangling guitar and driving beat push this song more into British rock territory. The apt comparisons to Elvis Costello come together on this tuen. Gordon knows how to bring the catchiness of the title the his listeners ears.
I look forward to seeing Gordon bring his lively, sensitive show to the set with the backing of Session Americana. See you soon!
Audio Download: Kevin Gordon, “Trying to Get to Memphis” [audio: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7770435/06%20Trying%20to%20Get%20to%20Memphis.mp3]
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About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.