PAUL NELSON
OVER UNDER THROUGH
GO DOWN EZEKIEL–GHOST IN THE BASEMENT–COLOR IT BLUE–SECRET–LAY A LITTLE–ALICE MULLIN–I WALK THE LINE–RELATIVE WORK–SILENT MAJORITY–OVER UNDER THROUGH–THERE IS WEEPING
The first thing one will notice after listening to Paul Nelson’s latest release, “Over Under Through,” is that it does not fit specifically into any one category or genre’. Paul wrote all the songs except for Cash’s “I Walk The Line,” and does combine elements of blues, folk, roots, and Americana, for a captivating set. Adding to the mix is a backing band of the cream of East Coast folk and blues players, including Kevin Barry on guitars, John Sands on drums, Richard Bates and Paul Kochansky on bass, and vocalist Kristin Cifelli.
The set begins and ends on a decidedly-Biblical theme. Leading off is the swampy, Delta-meets-the-Old-Testament blues of “Go Down Ezekiel,go down to the Riverside,” during his prophesies regarding the threats against Judah and Jerusalem. The set closes on a quieter, more somber note, with “There Is Weeping,” in a “world of madness and fear.”
In between our favorites included the powerful “Silent Majority,” where “silence strengthens authority, and indifference paves the way,” urging us all to stand and fight for what is just and fair. And, Paul offers up a unique, drum-heavy read of “I Walk The Line” featuring Kristin on the harmony vocals.
For those who are fans of Lyle Lovett, Amos Lee, or Roguie’s son, Ray Lamontagne, the heartfelt, true-to-life stories presented in Paul Nelson’s “Over Under Through” will resonate well. Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance.
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