Stephen Bluhm – Out of the Nowhere, Into the Here
Some in the Americana-Roots-Rock environment will listen & wonder about this release. But the history of those genres does have similar explorations. In the late ’60s, Amazing Blondell toyed with Medieval/chamber mixtures. English singer-songwriter Clifford T. Ward (“Gaye,” “Wherewithal”) had success with this recipe with a superior vocal. English folk singer David McWilliams charted with his classic “Days of Pearly Spencer” & “Marlena.” Such evocative songs are drenched in traditional melodies with classical/chamber overtones & these artists used similar arrangements & instrumentation. Brave & innovative in doing so since it wasn’t mainstream or commercial.
There’s an attraction toward this approach so long as the possible temptation for heavy-handed pomposity & bombastic arrangements can rear its head. Stephen Bluhm brings his skills with liberal touches of humor to the musicianship & adds ingenuity. It does have an evocative & challenging beauty.
Produced by Stephen Bluhm (arrangements) & Andrew Stein this 2nd CD of 10 Out of the Nowhere, Into the Here (Drops April 19/Vintage Annals Archives/37:00) tracks were recorded in Hudson, NY. Stephen doesn’t overindulge – and his pastoral symphonic rushes will tickle the ears since he isn’t attempting overwrought pieces.
He succeeds better with the arrangements applied rather than a classically trained musician attempting to be a pop saveur. Many trained musicians don’t seem to understand the value of simplicity in a pop composition. The skill is evident here & the music is adorned with catchy runs, but they’re framed in intricate & imaginative backdrops.
Bluhm comes close on “Easter,” since he sings in a raw voice & doesn’t try to strive for perfection. He depends more on the mood & atmosphere. He does it well. This is a beautiful piece.
Because of his sensitivity, his vocals have clarity & purity but those wonderous faculties can detract from the soulful feeling. Stephen seems to know this because with a song like “Existential Crisis,” he does take a step closer to grasping that flicker of creativity. A winner of a composition but with a little more punch in the voice just short of vitality would have given the lyric its necessary lift.
The CD will be for selective tastes, it’s not mainstream fodder, but the attempt has gravity. It can pull with repeated listens. The songs have many salient moments & they’re versatile in their sophistication.
Highlights – “Any Little Thing,” “Wissahickon,” “The Moon & The Twelve Tones,” “Easter,” “Existential Crisis” & “I Never Feel Alone.”
Musicians – Jordan Gunn (cello), Stephen Bluhm (Vocals/Steinway Grand piano/guitar/pipe organ/Wurlitzer EP/glockenspiel), Stephen Sanborn (bass clarinet/tenor sax/flute), Maya Yokanovich (clarinet), Daniel Hoke (double bass), Francesca Hoffman (flute/piccolo), Ser Konvalin (French horn), JJ Silvey (oboe/English horn), Alex McLaughlin (viola), Tin Yan Lee, Jonathan Talbot & David Woodin (violins).
Cover photo courtesy of Kahn & Selesnick. CD @ https://www.stephenbluhm.fun/ & https://stephenbluhm.bandcamp.com/album/out-of-the-nowhere-into-the-here
