Robby Hecht – Not A Number
While at first listen, the tunes arrive with a subtle & sublime James Taylor-type mainstream folky gentleness the songs also have Kenny Rankin-David Gray touches. Mr. Hecht does project a sincere tonality with his showcase. He doesn’t seem to use his songwriting as entertainment but as a way of collectively inspiring emotions through maturity interlacing each with contemplative textures. The voice has a warmth that goes beyond the Taylor comparisons (“Doses,” “Not a Number”).
Produced by singer-songwriter/guitarist Anthony da Costa Not A Number (Drops April 12/Independent/41:00) explores 12 intense subjects. They include divorce, emotional recovery, nostalgia, individual experiences — many obstacles & challenges on life’s path.
Not all will grip equally but it’s obvious Hecht has spent time to sculpt the works. He’s also abandoned the formula for instinct. His light touch stabs tenderly with progressive asides as on “If I Knew You Now,” which has sustenance.
The sprightly “Dead Weight” dazzles with the depth of solid veteran balladeers such as Paul Brady, Darryl Braithwaite & Paul Hyde. Robby’s vocal simmers distinctively & adds a small commercial touch with the repetitive title line. But this is hardly a standard pop CD. The songs are constructed with far more diversity.
Robby doesn’t have the Jim Croce sense of humor but does have shades of Croce’s more serious repertoire (“Lover’s Cross”). There’s lots in each song to set him aside from any comparisons. The songs are more expressive than intense. Each is arranged with mellowness but never lacking melodic drive. They have a savoring quality.
Where does Robby fall in the arena of singer-songwriters? He’s in the margins where Luka Bloom, Duncan Sheik & Greg Trooper reside. Yet, his voice is the attraction, It unwieldy manages the lyrics through tight creative arrangements, musically & vocally.
Robby follows in the footsteps of songwriters who recorded their own LPs – Larry Weiss (“Rhinestone Cowboy”), Ray Kennedy (“Sail On Sailor”) & Mickey Newbury (“American Trilogy”). “I Can’t Save You Anymore,” reminds me of Peter Himmelman’s “Only You Can Walk Away,” & Greg Trooper’s exceptional “I Can’t Search For You Anymore.” Hecht’s in good company. Where he belongs.
Highlights – “When I Wish Upon a Star,” “Old Radio,” “Doses,” “If I Knew You Now,” “Dead Weight,” “Someone To Dance With,” “Tattoos,” “Not a Number” & “I Can’t Save You Anymore.”
Musicians – Robby Hecht (vocals/acoustic guitar), Anthony da Costa (acoustic, electric & baritone & rubber bridge guitars/synths/piano/keyboards/pianet/mandolin/leona/electric bass/programming/percussion/harmony vocals), Emily Hope Price (cello), Ross McReynolds & John Ogelby (drums/percussion), Will Honaker (electric bass & piano/piano/synth) & John Mailander (violin). Backing vocals: Jill Andrews, Katie Pruitt, Jess Nolan, Caroline Spence, Mira & Chuck E. Costa, Ruth Moody, Lydia Luce, Quinn D’Andrea, Georgia Greene & Lauren Jones.
CD color image courtesy of Laura Schneider. CD @ https://www.robbyhecht.com/music
