Joe Dolce, The Wind Cries Mary (self-released, 2007)
On paper, it probably shouldn't work. The overall musical style of this CD would fall into the general category of roots rock, but there is such a remarkable degree of diversity within that genre that there could be a real possibility of its ending up a disjointed whole. Happily this is not the case and instead the variety is turned to an advantage, making for an entirely enjoyable listening experience.
I'm not sure exactly how this is achieved, but it may be something to do with Joe Dolce's consistent ability to write or choose songs that obviously mean something to him and that allow his musicians and fellow singers to shine as well. His own work on many different types of guitar (acoustic, electric, forwards, backwards), harmonica, etc., is also a highlight; his singing style is often quite gentle, as on the traditional Irish song "Rocks Of Bawn" but he is never overwhelmed by the arrangements or the mix.
Some examples of the diversity on display may be worthwhile. The title track is of course the Jimi Hendrix song, here combined with "Third Stone From The Sun," wherein Dolce provides some credible work on guitar and psychedelic pots and pans, and is also joined on lead vocals by the melodic talents of Lin Van Hek. This is preceded by a rather amazing song called "September 11th" which is designed to be not necessarily what the listener may expect, and then followed by Dolce's own "Death Of Bach."The latter song ruminates on how the world changed the day Bach died, with appropriate instrumental sections, all performed on acoustic guitar.
The CD begins with "St Valentines Day," which sounds like a live recording with the tuneful vocals up front and clear in the mix, and some nifty slide work by Dolce; a great driving start to proceedings. Then follows Cajun/tex-mex with "Lynetta" (reminding one of the late lamented Mollys), the afore-mentioned Irish song, some fine rock on "Dragon Lady," a tribute to John Lennon on "It Was Only A Dream (But No Reason To Awake)" and so on.
One personal highlight is "Cocaine Lil" which combines a 19th century lyric with original music to create a blues-rock song that works well, with a very full sound that still has room to breathe. The track struck me as treading a similar musical path to Jeff Lang, which can only be a good thing, really. Another favourite is "Gift From One Iraqi Child" which has a somewhat chaotic, experimental middle-eastern beginning, and then transforms into a melodic contemporary roots rock song, with all too pertinent lyrics.
The Wind Cries Mary is a very likeable CD with a lot of thought and care put into it. This extends to the booklet, which not only gives the story behind each track but is actually readable! Nice touches such as the use of '60s-style stereo separation on the cover of The Beatles' "For No One" also show the level of consideration put into the overall package.
UK and Australian readers may be familiar with a certain novelty hit by Joe Dolce many years ago. That bore little similarity to his main work then, and even less so now. This is an excellent CD in its own right, and one in which aficionados of all types of roots music can find something to admire.
Joe Dolce's Web site contains lyrics and ordering details for the CD.
