Mike Delevante – September Days
I recognized the name instantly since I had an album by Bob Delevante (“Porchlight” from 1999). The set featured Jeff Black, Greg Trooper, Buddy Miller, Garry Tallent, Emmylou Harris, Southside Johnny, Kevin Gordon & Mike himself. Bob (harmonica) is Mike’s older brother & appears in this new ambitious collection. With this effort the melodic brightness shines on the superb “Don’t Count Me Out,” with its blazing Byrds-like chiming guitars & appetizing performance.
The 13 special dates on September Days (Drops April 11/Truly Handmade Records/47:30) is Mike Delevante’s debut, produced by Joe Pisapia (electric & acoustic guitars/bass/keys/pedal steel/mellotron). As a duo, the brothers were on major labels & Bob has since released 3 solo LPs. This new showcase from Mike (vocals/6 & 12-string electric & acoustic guitars) focuses on personal topics. He reflects on people, places & experiences with emotional lyrics on themes that explore regretful ruminations, resilience & new beginnings.
Growing up in NJ also seeps in without a Bruce Springsteen ferment, or raw Billy Falcon swipe. All songs are originals & this is more of an Americana music with clever pop sweeteners added to the mix. Nothing too rural. But it’s also not about roadside diners, fast cars & being out in the streets. The music’s sufficiently balanced to appeal to a variety of listeners from Jersey, as well as places like Nashville, Texas & California. It has those musical proponents.
“Make Believe” comes darker with compelling guitars that frame the slow, melancholy pace. A nice turn of events since the earlier tracks were far more upbeat & brighter. This is serious, a well-crafted number & despite the somberness, it has vitality & drama. Something even the late Warren Zevon would’ve invested in.
It comes again with the heavy percussive & razor-sharp guitar on “Sunset.” Mike’s voice has a fairly youthful projection but not commanding in a gruff voice like Jon Dee Graham, John Martyn or Joe Henry. The atmosphere he shapes is ripe with varied guitars on this track & some Spanish-flavor guitar with tight drum fills recorded pristinely. Nice stuff.
On “Too Far Gone,” Mike’s voice is more convincing in a formulated way. It comes like a Blasters-Fabulous Thunderbirds plodding mystery train guitar-tramping around nakedly in white socks shindig. (Let me take a breath). A cool ‘50s feel until the gnarly leads morph into a grungier rip. It will attract retro & younger ears for sure.
I’ll be right back; I’m going to play this song again.
Highlights – “Don’t Count Me Out,” “Only Sometimes,” “Far & Away,” “Good Cry,” “Adelaine (September Days),” “Make Believe,” “Sunset,” & “Too Far Gone,” & “Going Home.”
Musicians – Garry Tallent (bass/acoustic guitar), Dan Knobler (acoustic guitar), Will Honaker (bass/piano/acoustic guitar/mellotron), Bryan Owings & Jamie Dick (drums/percussion).
The CD is packaged in a creative 8-panel fold-out with lyrics & images. Color image & CD cover courtesy of Emma Delevante. Recorded in East Nashville, TN. CD @ https://mikedelevante.com/