Ted Russell Kamp – Get Back To the Land (Poetry of the Moment/Dualtone)

One of the best bits about this music critic gig is watching gifted artists get better and better. Ted Russell Kamp has long been making good solo records around his gig as the bassist for Shooter Jennings, with his most recent LP Poor Man’s Paradise being particularly strong. So it’s a pleasure to report that Get Back To the Land may be even better. The singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist’s sixth solo record essentially works the same groove as his prior work, with blues, jazz and pop strains laced through a base of early 70s country rock. The difference is that his songsmithery is simply tighter and more tuneful than before, and that’s saying something. From the jaunty barrelhouse of “Aces & Eights,” the burning blues of “Time is a Joker” and the sardonic C&W of the title track to the sparkling jangle of “California Wildflower,” the anthemic roots rock of “God’s Little Acre” and the soulful balladry of “(Down at the) 7th Heaven,” Kamp simply knocks one ball after another out of the park. Clichés become new ideas in Kamp’s mind (see the excellent “Half Hearted” for a perfect example), melodies find a comforting home in his hands, strings and horns and the singing couldn’t be any more personable and heartfelt. Saturated in talent and sincerity, Get Back To the Land is nothing more than good music done right.

http://TedRussellKamp.com
http://Dualtone.com