Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms – Gold In Your Pocket
Firmly entrenched in a traditional roots heritage but presented in an ingeniously devised attractive showcase is “He’s Gone” a Caleb Klauder original. An exceptional intro to the music of this fine duo. They know how to tug on an ear & get a foot tapping. Just as the final notes of that first upbeat song fade Reeb Willms sings her “Same Little Heart” with an angelic tone accompanied by the gentle wind of a pedal steel guitar.
The duo originates from Washington State & yet, their “Appalachian” mountain sound of authenticity is evident in the warmth of these songs. Good lyrics & storytelling that are intriguing & sung with genuine purist dulcet tones. It has that wood-burning smoke & necessary obligatory bluegrass-folky euphoria. It’s a unique niche. The duo makes every tune sound contemporary without compromising the musical credibility.
Caleb’s lead vocal on “Most Lonely Day” suggests he’s got a vocal akin to what The Band laid down decades ago. Caleb could have easily vocalized with them in a Rick Danko style. 13 tasty country-confections keep the motivated songs sweet & inviting on Gold In Your Pocket (Drops Nov 15/Free Dirt Records/Trade Root/46:51).
Recorded in both Tennessee & Louisiana the songs were produced by Joel Savoy (fiddle), Chris Scruggs (electric & archtop guitars/tick tack bass) & Caleb (vocals/mandolin/acoustic guitar).
Reeb’s “Last of My Kind,” has a beautiful Alison Krauss feel. It has more sincerity than most country songs & Reeb (vocals/acoustic guitar) avoids the popish perimeters in many country songs of today. An added value is that Caleb’s vocal tone is old-time, a smoother incarnation of Ralph Stanley when required. It gives the melodies a positive lift (“Gold In Your Pocket”) with its vintage arrangement modifier. The secret is they manage it without sounding cheesy or corny. Lots of upbeat pristine enthusiasm.
With “Too Far Gone,” it’s bluegrass but the instrumental application is what’s energetic & played with backwoods veneer. Old wood with varnish laid down like glass. See-sawing between mandolin takes, fiddle runs & steady drum beat. Excellent.
Together, their singing mingles wonderfully, complimentary. There’s a richness & magic similar to Clive Gregson & Christine Collister. (“Blessing In Disguise”). One of the catchiest tunes on this varied set is Reeb’s “All About Love” — a rhythmic punch & delicious melody. “T&J’s Lullaby” is a poignant closer. Beautiful. Great songwriting throughout.
Highlights – “He’s Gone,” “Same Little Heart,” “Most Lonely Day,” “Last of My Kind,” “Gold In Your Pocket,” “Too Far Gone,” “All About Love” & “T&J’s Lullaby.”
Musicians – Rusty Blade (pedal steel & electric guitars), Mike Bub (upright bass/harmony), Glenn Fields & Walter Hartman (drums), Dirk Powell (piano) & Hailey Pexton (harmony vocals).
Cover image courtesy of Jo Vidirine. Group shot by Forrest Gibson. A 12pp stitched lyric insert is included. CD @ Bandcamp + Amazon & https://calebklauder.com/
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