John Shipe – Water This Dark
This singer-songwriter John Shipe is one of the examples of why major labels are missing the mark on viable artists. In some cases, as serious as the fault-ridden as the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame & pop tunes masquerading as country music. There’s no reason this artist shouldn’t have big-budget PR/advertising from a major label behind him. The voice is compelling, the material has imagery in the lyrics & the melodies are indulgent. But, he’s a self-financed independent artist. Alright, we’ll leave all the personal, psychological & business difficulties out of the arc of logic as to why John Shipe isn’t being supported on a larger scale & be grateful it will reach some ears.
There are 9 vibrant tales from this Eugene, Oregon artist’s Water This Dark (Drops May 10/Involushun Records/34:00) produced by Tyler Fortier (guitars/vocals/keys/percussion). Each is spiked with individual sensitivity beginning with the marvelous “What Do I Owe?” There’s a bit of drama in some but for the most part, each falls comfortably in place whether on a pop, country, or easy listening level.
Some songs are standard ballads with strong messages while others (“Water This Dark”) are pop-Gospel oriented with a Dylan earthy vocal approach with folky lyrics & spiritual arrangement. Musically clever.
Shipe (vocals/guitars/piano) falls between John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot & Dan Fogelberg but distinctly, he has his blend & he’s a delightful listen. He doesn’t have a strong vocal but a warm one that isn’t ordinary. Each word is poignant, interspersed with themes heavily laced with memories, reminisces & nostalgia. It’s evident in “Starting Over & Over Again,” that’s an ideal song.
John has the necessary intonation, phrasing & good rural tonality, with nothing, ever being mediocre or commercially sanitized. A listener can believe what he sings. He treads a songwriting tradition that’s been done but boldly fills it with his originality & creativity. Lyrical soul-searching messages, wide-open spaces exposing human spirituality blanketed in struggles to survive & it’s an optimistic showcase.
Shipe has a style similar to Peter Himmelman, Marc Cohn & an English singer-songwriter the late Clifford T. Ward. The performance is consistent in quality & never shies from the point of view of bruised characters, personalities who have made sacrifices & injured hearts.
All 9 songs are originals & songs like “By Now,” are memorable. That’s how good a set this is.
Highlights – “What Do I Owe,” “Water This Dark,” “Gold Into Yarn,” “By Now” “Starting Over & Over Again – Treadmill Part II.”
Musicians – Mike Walker (organ/pianos), Bryan Daste (pedal steel guitar), Philippe Bronchtein (lap steel guitar/organ, piano), Lilli Worona (violin/vocals), Nate Barnes (drums), Sam Howard (basses) & Erin Flood Fortier (vocals).
CD cover photo & portrait courtesy of Ricardo Llamas. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.johnshipemusic.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Song Premiere: John Shipe “What Do I Owe?”