REVIEW: Derek Vanderhorst “Be Kind”

Derek Vanderhorst – Be Kind

People who like vocalists who have a vintage charm & timbre will appreciate the warm vocals of heavyweight cancer fighter Derek Vanderhorst. A brave artist with variables in his showcase that suggest the singing styles of Hamilton Camp (“Star Spangled Bus”), Keith Barbour (“Echo Park”) & Steve Earle. The sprightly fiddle-fills work well with the gruff Derek vocal that isn’t harsh but isn’t exactly Fred Neil or Tim Hardin. Big deal, right? His voice is expressive & that’s what matters. A voice perfectly suited.

This 12-track explores Mr. Vanderhorst’s (guitar/vocals) past & current issues & his hope for the future all displayed on his 2nd album Be Kind (Drops July 12/Independent/45:39). Produced in Nashville by Brook Sutton (upright bass) & John Mailander (mandolin/piano/fiddle/octave mandolin/vocals) with Frank Evans (banjo/vocals/co-producer).

There’s wholesomeness threaded through each tune much the same way as early Arlo Guthrie. While Derek’s folk underscores a more traditional path than a commercially accessible one it’s his material played with an upbeat John Hartford approach (such as “the ABCs”) that’s clever & engaging. But that’s where the richness resides. Enjoyment comes through Derek’s voice on formidable serious songs like “Grace,” & “Cold November.” It’s his Pete Seeger tendency — since Pete seldom sang anything he didn’t believe in.

There are many good folk artists, but Derek is a step or two ahead in that Seeger tradition. Old traditionalists on a path shared by the late Burl Ives, Will Geer & Hamilton Camp. Enthusiastic singers who weren’t entirely wrapped up in any radical musicology. For every David Blue & David McWilliams there’s a Phil Ochs. The songs are reflective, touching upon friendships, serious topics like mental illness, emotional struggles & trying to live life to its fullest.

Songs that are penetrating such as “Into the Blue” possess a touch of the late literate lyricist Richard Farina. The melodies don’t adhere too strongly to a stringent zip line of musical structures. Derek tries to mix it up & is diversified in his themes & his voice. It can be entertaining & fun but also concise & intense.

The most creative performance comes on “The Preacher’s Song” where Derek uses his voice almost as an instrument with varying tonalities. He understands the value of a line in a lyric. His emphasis is accurate & it differentiates what’s important from what’s just filler. The cashmere vocal pronouncement against the grainer words is done with expertise. Great song.

As for a more fermented tune “Hear the Clock” is sung with a more punctuated vocal. A painting with broader defining brush strokes. The album is a pleasure.

Highlights – “Writing You a Love Song,” “Misunderstood,” “Be Kind,” “Into the Blue,” “The Preacher’s Song,” “Grace,” “Cold November,” “Hear the Clock” & “the ABCs.”

Musicians – Steve Poltz (guitar/vocals), Jamie Dick (drums/percussion), Ethan Jodziewicz (bowed bass/upright bass/vocals), Jae Ellard (vocals) & Matt Glassmeyer (B3 organ).
B&W image courtesy of Derek’s website. CD @ Amazon + https://derekvmusic.com/home