Whether it’s the ever-increasing ease of recording high quality music, a realization of mortality, or just the well-timed push of a friend, I’ve noticed a number of lifelong session players and sidemen deciding recently to release their first album. One that just crossed my playlist is from West Virginia native John Inghram. In addition to being a sought-after bass player and member of multiple bands, he sits on the other side of the board as assistant producer for NPR’s Mountain Stage Radio Show. He released his eponymously titled debut album last month, and it’s a keeper.
While Inghram’s regular musical itinerary goes through jazz, pop, and jam band styles, it’s a love of classic rock that comes through like a freight train on this record. Little Mountain Mama opens with a Chuck Berry-style guitar riff before adding a Dr. John funk. Underdog opens with a Hendrix-inspired chord progression before plowing its way through a tale of life where “what I lack in wins, I’ve gained in heart”. Magical Midnight Meltdown is every 70’s rock song you’ve ever heard and yet it’s not any of them. Twin electric guitars highlight a snapshot of the era when you “pop off the t-top, let the sun shine”.
Clearly Inghram has a special place in his heart for power pop. Here To Stay is a pop powerhouse with a Cars-style staccato rhythm section. Same Old Game takes it a step further, and even name checks Big Star. There’s also a touch of that sound in the updated version of John Hartford’s Back In the Goodle Days, featuring Tim O’Brien on mandolin and vocals.
Sometimes debut albums are stacked a little in favor of the artist as they’ve had a lifetime to collect the songs and styles. Given John Inghram’s resume, though, I think he’s just scratching the surface. Rather than debate what might be next, it’s maybe best to take the advice on the opening song (Palisades) of his opening album and live in the present. So go listen to Inghram’s album now.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.