Greg Copeland – Empire State EP
The only disappointment I have with this new Greg Copeland (not the blues singer with the same name) effort is that it’s an EP – 5 songs. I’ve liked Greg’s music since I listened to his excellent debut album “Revenge Will Come” from 1982. Every song was a jewel. His 2nd album in 2008 – yeah, it took that long, “Diana and James” was also glorious (to my ears). He had the voice, the songs & personality that were intriguing together.
It isn’t like Copeland wasn’t reaching people because Joan Baez covered his “El Salvador,” in 1989 & the title song “Revenge Will Come,” was covered by David Lindley. The California-born Greg Copeland falls into that same category as singer-songwriter Michael Dinner, another fine vocalist who managed two albums (“Tom Thumb The Dreamer,” & “The Great Pretender”) with wonderful songs that their mutual friend Jackson Browne was involved with. But these saw no action. Dinner faded from the troubadour scene.
He explores interesting topics in his songs & each seems to capture his character. So, this is a new short teaser of a set of original songs he outlined for Empire State EP (Drops Sept 6/F&H Recordings/Hemifran/Paraply Records/20:33). Even though it’s a slim offering of really 4 songs proper (since “Coyotes is only 52 seconds long & features no vocals the title track makes it up at over 6 minutes).
Produced & recorded in California by Tyler Chester (keys/bass-piano) the showcase is filled with solidly built tunes, reliably strong & ambitious. Greg has lost none of the nuclear ink in his songwriting pen.
Greg (vocals/acoustic rhythm guitar) occupies a realm where today we have similar artists such as Joe Henry, Peter Himmelman, Billy Falcon, John Hiatt, Jon Dee Graham, Buddy Miller & late career Robert Hazard (before he passed). Greg’s vocals with time & maturity have become seasoned with a gruffer tone than the “Revenge Will Come” days. But that’s the attraction, especially on these newer ones. I wish Mr. Copeland would be a little more prolific because I think, well…I think he matters & I’d like to hear from him more often.
“Boon Time,” is a splendid opener followed by the percussive & driving “We the Gathered,” very Hiatt in tradition. Artists who successfully define their signature style this way always strike a responsive chord. The late John Martyn & John Prine both had this quality though they didn’t have the Bruce Springsteen audiences. Greg Copeland has this songwriting quality.
Hopefully, Greg will hit the studio again since his songs are always compelling, well-written & it’s disciplined work. We could use more of that today.
Highlights – All 4: “Boon Time,” “We Are Gathered,” “4:59:59” & “Empire State.”
Musicians – Greg Leisz (guitar/mandolin/pedal steel/Mandocello), Val McCallum (rubber bridge slide guitar/electric guitar), Jay Bellerose (drums/percussion), Jennifer Condos (bass) & Sara Watkins (violin).
Color image courtesy of Greg’s Bandcamp. CD & 2 song samples @ https://gregcopeland1.bandcamp.com/album/empire-state
