Album Review: Josh Oliver, “Troubles”
August 25th, 2011
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Tennessee is one of my favorite places on earth. Great Bar-B-Que, good college football, pretty women, the Mississippi River, Graceland, The Ryman Auditorium, the Cumberland Plateau – I love it all. I’m sure some folks might argue against the quality of all these places, but there is one fact that is absolutely undebatable about Tennessee, and that is the contributions the people of that state have made to American roots music. From Memphis to Nashville to East Tennessee the music that has been made in this Southern state is virtually unrivaled by any other place in the country. Not only are the past contributions of this musical state storied, but the current music being created there proudly continues this long tradition of greatness. One of these musicians who is carrying on the Tennessee musical tradition is Josh Oliver. With his debut album, “Troubles”, Oliver proves that the Tennessee music tradition is a long way from being forgotten.
Originally from Maryville, Tennessee, Josh has been a fixture on the East Tennessee music scene for several years. Cutting his teeth with the seminal alt-country band the everybodyfields, Oliver has traveled thousands of miles on the road and has spent hundreds of nights away from home while entertaining crowds in dirty bars, upscale opera houses, and music festivals all over the country. After the everybodyfields split in 2009, Oliver has kept busy by playing guitar and keys with former bandmates, Sam Quinn and Jill Andrews, as both have ventured into their respective solo careers. So far, 2011 has been an exciting year for Josh Oliver as an independent artist, seeing him step out of the shadows and into the spotlight while playing more solo shows and releasing a tremendous debut record.
“Troubles” is one of those records that is absolutely easy to listen to, and when it ends the only logical option left is to listen to it again.
This record is sparse.
This record is honest.
This record is vulnerable.
This record is a traveling companion.
This record is a friend in the darkness.
This record will make you believe in music.
Of the ten tracks on this album, two are original compositions with the other eight being a mix of covers and recognizable songs from the traditional American song catalog. On the opening track, Oliver offers a very creative interpretation of Townes Van Zandt’s “White Freightliner Blues”. While a lot of folks have covered this song, it is Josh’s unique guitar style and heartbreaking vocals that make his version stand out. From there the album slides easily into familiar territory with the traditional classics “Red Rocking Chair” and “Down in the Willow Garden”. Even though these songs are easily recognizable, it is with his voice, keys, and guitars that he is able make them sound fresh and accessible to all listeners. The title track, “Troubles”, which comes from autoharp extraordinaire Kilby Snow, a bluegrass influenced “Roll on Buddy”, and a electric guitar and keyboard laced version of “Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down”, all prove to be solid and cohesive contributions to the record. The two original songs, “Too Long” and “Lonesome Heartbroken Blues” not only show the tenderness of a young man who loves his family and friends, but also someone who has grappled with the harsh reality that love can sometimes bring. Oliver demonstrates a enviable ability to create memorable melodies, and a maturity in lyric writing that many young songsmiths do not possess. As the album progresses, it ultimately achieves its musical climax with “Pass Me Not”. This is a goose bump inducing version of the hymn, “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.” The lyrics are powerful and the vocals are heart wrenching. Sam Quinn provides lead vocals on a verse, as well as harmony throughout the entire song. It is obvious both of these young men have spent a considerable amount of time in a church pew, and I believe this rendition would make any Southern preacher proud. As the album wraps up with an excellent take on the Carter Family’s “I Never Will Marry”, the music takes us out the exact same way it brought us in – softly, courageously, and full of heart. Throughout the album Oliver is backed by a minimal, but tremendous group of musicians. Brandon Story lays down perfectly chosen bass lines on a stand up, Megan Gregory plays a very welcome fiddle, and Sam Quinn provides harmony vocals with the unique voice that so many of us have come to love.
I truly hope this is not the last solo offering we receive from Josh Oliver, as I believe we are witnessing the beginning glow of a very bright star.
To listen to additional tracks and purchase the album, visit Josh’s bandcamp page here.
4 Responses to “Album Review: Josh Oliver, “Troubles””
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Great work Scott! I saw on the Music City Roots website that the Everybodyfeilds are performing later this year. Is that a typo?
Nice work, Scott! I had the fortune of meeting Josh this year at Clifftop. Wonderful person and talented musician!
Thanks for the kind words folks. To my knowledge the everybodyfields are doing a few reunion shows this year, the first being at Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion. Who knows when they’ll do this again – I’d certainly say to try and catch these shows, they’re bound to be good.
Very thorough review. I would add one line — this record is important. With this recording, Josh Oliver presents us with documentation of what Americana music is all about. His arrangements are a perfect example of what is so good and right about this music today, while the material he covers reflects the heritage that is the foundation of it all. In one recording, Josh Oliver shows us what it is and why it is. The next time someone asks you what Americana music is all about, don’t say a word – just buy them a copy of Troubles.