Grayson Capps – Heartbreak, Misery & Death
There are several artists I wish would do what Grayson Capps has done with his latest album. Record some “lost songs” that they appreciated growing up by other singers & reinterpret them in an updated modern way. I know to a degree Bob Dylan has done this, The Band (“Moondog Matinee”) & David Bowie (“Pin-Ups”).
This set does have some familiar tunes scattered among the more obscure ones but it’s Mr. Capps’ spin on each that makes them so intriguing. I know if I sang I’d have my favorites even though some were not written in my key. Some singers do forget that little detail.
Capps has a deep resounding authoritative voice. Somewhere between John Hammond Jr & the late Willy DeVille. Even when he sings straight folk-rock traditional & otherwise he has a character in his tone that adds lots of authenticity to his reading. An Appalachian aesthetic permeates the traditional “Wake Up Little Maggie.” Then by cut 2 “Columbus Stockade Blues,” there’s more of an early Bob Dylan twist. Or perhaps, more accurately, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot.
There are 16 vintage tunes dusted off for Heartbreak, Misery & Death (Drops Oct 25/RPF/44:03) which renders this new effort an all-covers work. Recorded in Alabama & produced by Grayson with Ryan Avinger. The recordings are spare with only Grayson (vocals/acoustic guitar) & Corky Hughes (electric guitar/bass/tiny piano). As it should be since this thin instrumentation brings out the flavor of songs like these.
And yes, there’s lots of spirit & polish reminiscent of Jerry Jeff Walker & surprises too. The rockabilly-country singer Gary Chase Bruce penned “Moody River” which was recorded by Gary, but it was crooner Pat Boone in 1961 who reached Billboard’s #1 with a wonderful version of it. It was always a great song & Grayson does it justice.
Gordon Lightfoot’s excellent “Early Morning Rain,” is also a wonderful cover– closer to the Elvis Presley version since Grayson has that deep slow balladry tone in his voice as well. Grayson doesn’t have a growly voice like Tom Waits but anyone who enjoys Waits’ earlier material would find Capps’ vocals an old-fashioned tonic for the ears. The entire album has a homegrown feel & peddles more styles of sweetness than Dunkin’ Donuts.
Sound-wise Capps’ recordings would fit comfortably alongside Jon Dee Graham, Otis Gibbs, Chuck E. Weiss, John Hammond Jr & Canada’s Tom Wilson. All aficionados of the voice with personality & deep thicket sound. Grayson was introduced to many of these vintage tunes when he was a child by his late father Ronald Everett Capps. He dedicates the album to his Dad…now that’s class.
Highlights – “Wake Up Little Maggie,” “Columbus Stockade Blues,” “Moody River,” “Early Morning Rain,” “Guilty,” “Stoney,” “St James Hospital,” “Alberta” & “Wreck On the Highway.”
Color photo courtesy of Grayson’s Bandcamp site. A folded lyrical insert is included. CD @ Bandcamp + Amazon + https://graysoncapps.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Show Review: John Hiatt at Birchmere w/Grayson Capps opening
