Victoria Liedtke & Jason Ringenberg – More Than Words Can Tell
I’ve been critical of Jason’s solo work because I enjoyed Jason & the Scorchers more. I don’t know why. However, the music here is of a different scripture. This collection sparkles. Influence may have had something to do with it. Victoria Liedtke as a duet partner — a miraculous decision & Jason being more than a capable artist has met the duet challenge.
Produced by Ms. Liedtke & Elliot Vaughan More Than Words Can Tell (Drops April 5/Judee Bop Records) showcases 11 tracks recorded in Worcester & London. Many UK musicians are featured flawlessly throughout the vintage & obscure American country staples written by Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner & Tom Paxton.
The motivation is the fine partnership between Dolly & Porter. This project is a reawakening for Jason & like most artists a challenge is all that’s needed to bring out one’s finest work. This duo follows in the footsteps of Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood & Johnny Cash & June Carter.
This effort suits them. It’s wonderful stuff. On “Life Rides the Train,” the jangly guitars mesh with Victoria’s soaring voice & Jason’s intonation is vibrant & has attitude. It’s a perfect pairing. The vocals have a whiney classic country touch at times but never novelty-oriented. Victoria’s voice is affecting throughout (“The Fire That Keeps You Warm”) & Jason adds a balance that Richard & Mimi Farina had & Nino Tempo & April Stevens had years ago.
Jason’s better as a protégé of John Prine than an outlaw alt-country artist. He has a rosy Prine-ism voice on the great “Carolina Moonshiner” which would’ve been ideal with the late John Hartford on banjo. But this is sweet anyway & it rocks.
“Come To Me,” is a stand-alone beauty. Jason’s voice has poignancy with a Jimmie Dale Gilmore delivery. Victoria cruises with the tonality & conviction of Susan Osborne (“Lay Down Your Burden” from Paul Winter Consort’s “Common Ground”). “Pain of Loving You,” is simply masterful. “Tomorrow Is Forever,” is Jason with his finest Jimmie Dale Gilmore intonation again. It’s satisfying & authentic. His voice is a country parfait with Victoria. One of the best CDs of the year.
Highlights – “Life Rides The Train,” “More Than Words Can Tell,” “Carolina Moonshiner,” “The Fire That Keeps You Warm,” “Come To Me,” “Pain of Loving You,” “The Last Thing On My Mind” & “Tomorrow Is Forever.”
Musicians – Victoria & Jason (lead vocals/bgv), CJ Hillman (guitar/dobro/mandolin/slide/pedal steel guitars), John Parker (double bass), Lewis Pugh & Sean O’Hagan (acoustic guitars) & Tim Prottey-Jones (drums/piano) with David Fortman & Graham Norwood (guitars), Dean McCreadie (guitar/banjo), Jon Poole (electric bass), Evie Hiler-Ziegler, Anne Yin Han & Tim Gardner (violins), Bryan Scary (tuned percussion/piano/synths/vibraphone), Elliott Vaughan (shaker), Willie Dowling (piano/bgv), Kris Rodgers (piano/organ/bgv), Chris Catalyst & Michael Todd (bgv).
Color image by Carla Mundy & portrait of Jason from his website. CD @ https://victoriaandjason.bandcamp.com/album/more-than-words-can-tell & https://linktr.ee/victoriaandjason & https://jasonringenberg.com/
