Maurice Hope – May 4, 2016 at 07:11AM
Tags:_AMERICANA
Singer-songwriter and sideman, Verlon Thompson writes good songs. Check out his co-writes with Guy Clark, “Boats To Build”, “The Guitar” and “Indian Head Penny” among others (too many to mention). He’s also written with Darrell Scott (“Banjo Clark”), Tommy Polk (“He Feels Guilty”, a fabulous song covered by Bobby Cryner) and had Lari White, Linda Davis, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Shelly West, Trisha Yearwood, Jimmy Buffet – Alan Jackson, Jon Randall and Kenny Rogers. The list is near endless of those who have recorded his work. Usually heard in acoustic mode Thompson has crossed-over for this venture (as in the players brought in). The project is one that has been in his mind for a good many years, and though on initial plays I thought it wasn’t him, I have since gained access into the music.
For one it is more dramatic, like he is speeding down the highway, the ragtop down and playing the cards life hands us. Excitement of the unknown, the daring of the chase is evident as he has electric guitar produce inviting riffs spark. Likened to a chisel held against a sharpening stone sparks fly as players Guthrie Trapp (electric guitars), Michael Rhodes (bass guitar), Pete Abbott (drums) and Pat McLaughlin (backing vocals) aid his work on acoustic, gut-string guitar and harmony, lead vocals.
Best tracks include “Sweetheart Deal”, and there is a version of a song he penned with Suzi Ragsdale “Bad Angel” as he speaks of being at the crossroads between temptation and salvation! There are others to check out on the 8-track release — that follows his masterful concept recording with recently deceased fiddle playing vocalist Sue Cunningham Find Me An Angel. “24/7” arguably the best track on the album has in guitar blazing “You Say You Will” (a co-write with Beth Nielsen Chapman) a keen challenger. Adorned in ultra fine picking it ticks all the boxes. While of a soul connection “We’re Cool” it paints a fine portrait of life, a little funky it is a most moving, hugely creative piece of work. It could be an area for Thompson to develop, maybe for his next record, bring in a blues soulful voice of a Tracy Nelson and you have a winner!
Maurice Hope
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