LarryKolker – Awful Smart Man (Independent)
From Cortlandt Manor, NY, Larry Kolker playsregularly in venues around the North East of the USA, where his style has beendescribed as "urban country east-coast white-boy blues". That’s a lotto take in, and is really quite specific, so to make things easier, imagine aconcert with Dylan headlining, Loudon Wainwright III second on the bill andJohn Prine third, let’s say it wouldn’t seem at all strange if Larry Kolkeropened the evening’s entertainment.He’s certainly an all-round talent. He’s adistinctive vocalist with songwriting chops to match; an accomplished guitaristand an in demand blues-harpist. As far as I can tell “Awful Smart Man” is hissecond album (“Long Island Slim” came out in 2002) and although his trips tothe studio are far from regular, the results are well worth seeking out. Herehe begins with the title track, and the simple voice / guitar arrangement setsthe mood for a self-depreciating lyric, and a near-yodel. “Send Me to the 'lectric Chair”starts slow and folksy, but when the instruments kick in, in swings like anearly jazz-blues standard. There really is no shortage of variety on “AwfulSmart Man”. “Top Percent”grooves like a ‘70s jam band and the marvelous “Don't Tempt Irene” rocks and rolls in a mostsatisfying manner. Before I sign off, I should mention his collaborators;Sticks Levine keeps the beat, folk-popsters the YaYas supply backing vocals,and co-producer / engineer Fred Gillen Jr. plays bass, and provides just enoughpolish for Kolker to shine.www.reverbnation.com/larrykolkerwww.larrykolker.bandcamp.comRob F.
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