John Richard Paul – The Road of Life
John Richard Paul has a new album The Road of Life, which was engineered, mixed and mastered by Philip Parker at The Old Mission in Traverse City, Michigan. This album picks up all the stones that make up a whole life, and turns them over song by song with a gritty raw delivery style.
“Across the Lake” is a shuffly beat with hushed vocals, as this song confronts what happens with loss – the memories and “fear of loss is palpable, things I never noticed before, a quiet that settles through the house.” In “Plus Two” that realization that we need to honor the things that are important to us before they’re gone is directed toward gratitude for a life partner “you’re the one for me, and even after all these years you still choose to stand by me.”
“Swimming After Dark” touches back to summertime childhood memories, swimming spots, and the excitement of running around there after dark. Referencing places and spaces around a Mackinaw Island family summer cottage in a poignant, nostalgic song that is immense for anyone lucky enough to have spent time that way. Songs like this make you hope sincerely that kids still get to spend summers like this.
Then it’s “Worriers Hall of Fame” about that one family member who can’t help but to fear the worst, with a growly vocal and a shuffle; and then “Silver Linings,” a song of hard times, pain, and times you wanted to give up for real, and a hope for a silver lining: “I wonder if you’re wondering about me, and hope I’m doing well.”
“Our Roots Run Deep” is a song for any family member, close friend or loved one who has major physical life challenges, and is an ode to the way we can communicate and feel rooted with family a we grow up and have kids of our own. Bright harmonica and a sweet delivery picks up your mood as you look toward the horizon.
This album is moving and just right for summertime. Musicians on the album are John Richard Paul on acoustic guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, harmonica, mandolin, piano and vocals; Philip Parker on acoustic guitar, backing vocals, cello, electric guitar, organ, percussion, tambourine, and Wurlitzer; Erik Deutsch on piano; Andrew Dost on organ; Rhett DuCouer on backing vocals; Drew Hale on electric guitar; Will Harris on drums; Michael Hunter on electric guitar; Jim Kremidas on pedal steel; Suzanne Parker on alto flute; Jack M. Senff on backing vocals; and Chris Sterr on electric guitar.
Find more details and information on his website here: Http://www.johnrichardpaul.com
