Will Kimbrough – For the Life of Me (Daphne Records)
Think of Will Kimbrough as the Swiss Army Knife of roots music. He’s a great writer, exceptional singer, phenomenal guitarist and an in-demand producer and arranger. But if you needed a good starting point, know that no less than John Prine thought enough of this young songwriter (and his band with pal Tommy Womack, The Bis-Quits) back in ’93 to release their first and only album on his Oh Boy! label. Prine saw the talent and, some eight solo albums later, Kimbrough’s potential is more than fully realized.
Yet, the multi-talented Kimbrough did not fade away like so many other multi-talented singer-songwriters of the era. Beyond the short-lived Bis-Quits, Kimbrough served in Will & the Bushmen, the Willie Sugarcapps, DADDY and was an active member of Emmylou’s Red Dirt Boys. His songwriting talents – alone – were recognized by countless others who have covered them (quietly elevating their own statures in the process): Jimmy Buffett, Todd Snider, Radney Foster, Gretchen Peters, Shemekia Copeland and Kim Richey.
As a superb guitarist and all-round collaborator, Kimbrough often found himself playing on their albums if not supporting many of them on tour, earning extra credits as a Grammy-winning producer and growing in the process, building a creative network to die for. With the release of For The Life Of Me, however – one comes to realize that few artists can really perform his songs as well as he can.
If you’re reminded of The Band with the opening strains of “Walking In The Valley of the Shadow,” you’re not alone. Acoustic guitar, mandolin, drums and the prominence of a majestic B3 dominate this rustic, rural-sounding reflection on remaining hopeful despite the hardship of more modern times.
“Southern Wind,” written with Scottish artist, Dean Owens, is but one of many co-writes on this release. Its gentle acoustic intro gives way to a cautionary sense of foreboding, reinforced by an aggressive underbelly of haunting keyboard and electric guitar sounds, as an other-worldly, multi-voice chorus moves in like a change in the weather.
A crowning achievement and true album highlight, “The Other Side,” is pure Kimbrough (co-written with Rich McCulley) – it’s a feel-good, pop-jangle mini-masterpiece married to rich, buoyant vocals and taut lead guitar, all grafted together to achieve a joyous sound – complete with focused positivity and timely social commentary.
Speaking of current events, Kimbrough and Bobby Hall’s “I Don’t Want To Start A War” takes the Peace + Love beginnings of a typical Deadhead fan – as Kimbrough approximates the magical Jerry & Dead sound, juxtaposing the reference point with a scenario of MAGA and the Capital Building riots, arriving at a tentative point of ‘what the hell happened’? Quite the accomplishment in the cause of fighting hate.
Another powerful song, “River of Roses” takes up the flag of black justice, the hard road towards emancipation and the seemingly never-ending fight of good over evil. Another co-write with Hall, this saga-like tale moves along on a tasteful bed of B3, lead and slide guitar, ultimately achieving its message of soul-searching in the unremitting fight for Civil Rights.
“Clotilda’s On Fire” continues on the theme of Making Change, referencing the remains of a slave ship – found on the coast of Alabama some 50 years after the abolishment of slavery. Originally covered on Shemekia Copeland’s Grammy-nominated Uncivil War, the Kimbrough/John Hahn original gets a tougher, more measured treatment set against still-snarling guitars and a larger-than-life chorus.
The gentle, acoustic -guitar-driven introduction to “Isolation” reveals a more intimate Kimbrough whose hook is found in its strong, multi-voiced chorus which floats – delicately and exquisitely – over a bed of soft guitar and synthesized keyboards. Why are we looking to remove ourselves from the world at large when the fix is found in achieving the exact opposite?
The title track seems a throwback to the old days of singer-songwriter simplicity. “For the Life of Me” is a beautiful song leaning on the singer’s ability to incorporate his higher register as gentle guitar, piano and additional backup vocals swirl about the ear-catching melody. Smart lyrics adorn Kimbrough’s overall plea for unity when there is so much about life to celebrate, despite the scar tissue we’re all wearing.
Another ‘singer-songwriter’ song, “Margie’s Sky” has lyrics which dance on a bed of acoustic guitar, keyboard effects and an elegant stand of background vocals – despite the fact that it’s a song of grief and loss. Highly poetic in nature – a co-write with Walt Gilmer – it’s another soft-spoken stunner and loving tribute, graced with the power to find some light through the darkness.
Quite possibly a rally cry for our tumultuous time, “Every Day” is a forward-looking attempt to galvanize and motivate us – like a soothing balm against the onslaught of so much negativity. Lightly accompanied by keyboards, mandolin, slide guitar and uplifting lead and backup vocals, this could so easily become a boozy, spirit-raising singalong towards the greater good.
A true country-picker, “When This Is All Over” serves as a reminder why Kimbrough’s guitar talents are in constant demand from Rodney Crowell, Emmylou and others. Acting as a bit of a happy palate-cleanser from the deep thoughts and heavy notions embodied in the previous songs, this too-short ditty craves a dusty road on a sunny day, a top-down convertible and a cooler of cold beers.
All of this is the work of three outstanding players (although there are uncredited – and incredible – backup voices): bassist Chris Donohue, drummer Bryan Owings (both cohorts from the Red Dirt Band) and Kimbrough on everything else.
If you’re looking for a theme, Kimbrough has made a real effort to catalogue some of the lost ideals of our world, past and present. However, he goes well beyond this to express hope and gratitude for all that we do have – with an eye to how we might make things better. That’s a rare treat and a gift – above and beyond the fact that For The Life Of Me is a powerful collection of 11 excellent compositions from a seasoned artist in his prime, with its heady focus on quality lyrics and the musical finesse to help them hit their mark.
Check out his website here for more details and information: https://www.willkimbrough.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Interview: Will Kimbrough on “I Like It Down Here,” Alabama History and “To Kill A Mockingbird”