Judd Warrick – Brokenland
This showcase is the debut of an artist who isn’t aiming for the feet, ass, or waist but the heart, soul & memory. His stories are sprinkled with wisdom in a voice this side of Jon Dee Graham & Captain Beefheart (when he sang seriously on “Bluejeans & Moonbeams”).
The songs deal with reality more often than not. Many are relatable to others. The arrangements aren’t laid out with a sugary pretense but with some moodiness, melancholy & resolution. One of the strongest “A Tired Old Theme,” has a savory melodic instrumentation framed by Warrick’s determined tale in a John Hiatt manner.
It holds on to a folky aesthetic, but deeper than folk. There’s a precision to the words, married to the melodies like the love between two people you thought hated one another. But that’s the loveliness of the conflict, the contrast — its impressions.
There are 10 pieces glued together for Brokenland (Drops May 31/The Orchard/Sony) & though that title suggests challenging music there are many bright moments in these themes. Judd has a voice that’s not as polished as Gordon Lightfoot, as eccentric as Joe Henry but he has a voice that exemplifies having lived.
The songs have a motivation driven by experience. So be it. Most people emerge from such things better for it. Few artists today sing about it – maybe because they haven’t arrived at that harrowing junction yet. “You can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.” That’s old but true.
This whole set is a little rain. But, if you listen closely you’ll sense the distant rainbow. Many songs are optimistic. Life’s not easy & things like love, as necessary as they are, don’t always make it easier.
The songs aren’t written with a mainstream commerciality curve. They’re not downers — but laid out with a sense of importance idealistically & with a satisfying sound assimilated by Judd’s personal style. Years ago, artists like Joe Henry, John Wesley Harding (Wesley Stace) & Peter Himmelman explored similar resources.
On “Carry On,” Judd even flexes his Rod Stewart balladry muscle. Will this sustain a career? No. Judd has to spread his wings wider. There are many topics & subjects a songwriter can dig his pen into & Judd Warrick has such a vision.
Highlights – “If She Ever Leaves,” “Wake the Dead,” “A Tired Old Theme,” “Leave Me Slow,” “What a Broken Heart Says,” “Meant To Be” & “Carry On.”
The song/video “Fascination Die” isn’t on his latest but is a new track. Produced by Scott Wiley (bass) & Judd (acoustic guitar/drums) with Evan Coulombe (electric, pedal & lap steel guitars), Melanie Shore (Hammond B3 organ/Wurlitzer/piano) & Dustin Christensen (bgv).
Photo courtesy of Cameron Gade. CD @ https://juddwarrick.com/
Song premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2024/02/19/song-premiere-judd-warrick-fascination-die/
