Jim Brunberg “Bourbon Therapy”
Americana Highways is hosting this video premiere of Jim Brunberg’s song “Bourbon Therapy” from his album Crooning Through the Apocalypse, which is releasing today. “Bourbon Therapy” was co-written by Maurice Tani and Jim Brunberg.
Musicians on “Bourbon Therapy” are Jim on vocals, guitar, drums, sax, bass, trumpet and piano; Maurice Tani on vocals; Ron Blessinger on violins; and Ben Landsverk on viola.
This video was shot by Jim Brunberg at Mendelssohn’s Bar in Portland. Could therapy by bourbon be a real thing? More than a few good buddies and friends might argue that it is, very. But does venting over a barstool yield actual healing results? Maybe not, as this song features a couple of folks demurely trying to figure it out. Trading vocals, and with piano leading the way, Jim and Maurice reflect in subdued manner: “there are lessons to be learned but we haven’t learned a thing from experience or bourbon therapy… we’ve left nothing on the table at this bar, but after all the hearty laughs and bitter venting, not a thing has changed and still, here we are.” It looks like the verdict is in.
“Bourbon Therapy” is a couple of old pals, both unreliable narrators (as the name of the song implies), going nowhere in their attempts to be better, happier guys. They fail but have a good time trying until it’s time to go home.
I noticed there weren’t any songs I could find on this topic, so I called up my old friend Maurice, and we took it on. Backslapping and actual bourbon therapy ensued.
It’s a song about sympathy and commiseration – both lovely and compassionate, but both concepts do very little to solve any problems. With its neo-noir instrumental arrangement and intense Charles Aznavour energy, “Bourbon Therapy” is a showcase for two gentlemen songsters off on a spree.
— Jim Brunberg
Find the music here: https://orcd.co/crooningthroughtheapocalypse
