Sean Harrison – Ghastly Love and other Dubious Tales
This set starts in a tight groove & the seasoned Mr. Harrison slides into base with all the ease of a Robert Palmer on “Good Cover Story.” The difference? Sean has a bit of a street-wise tone to his narrative. Palmer was suave. Sean’s voice has clarity, but it doesn’t detract from the sincerity in his varied material. Midway through, it goes J.J. Cale, which is a nice shift in style.
There are eight Ghastly Love and other Dubious Tales (Drops April 25/Arky Blue/35:58) to these musical chapters produced by Darren Novotny (drums) & Sean (guitars). Recorded in Springdale, Arkansas. The Robert Palmer comparisons fall away as Sean’s songs begin to take shape. They’re all well-recorded & conceived. A truly well-captured folk-country tone glides through “Home Where I’m Loved.” It has a vintage folky narrative style in the tradition of Tom Paxton, David Olney, & Tom Rush.
There’s variety in Harrison’s songs that’s done creatively. Some songs come dangerously close to novelty, but Sean steers clear with his ingenuity & attention to detail. The percussion, vocal acrobatics, backup singers, duets with sexy vocals (“Ghastly Love”) — hard not to listen & smile.
There are Arlo Guthrie moments & a humorous cruise in pieces that David Seville (Ross Bagdasarian – “Witch Doctor,” “Don’t Whistle At Me Baby”) would’ve done. But Sean has quite a diverse LP here — consistently interesting. Even “3 Part Strategy” is very Seville.
Country legend Roger Miller had dozens of ‘60s humor hits to his credit (“King of the Road”) but he was a fine masterful songwriter. He composed a Broadway play & one song “River In the Rain” was sterling. Sean isn’t as countrified, but his most serious track “Ghost of the Old Wire Road” would’ve impressed Roger. It’s in that tradition. The music on this – stunning. The deep piano notes decorate its steely bite with the appropriate mood.
Sean returns with the rockier “Black Beer.” It has muscle & charm with no retro baloney, it’s all salami. Tasty. Catchy as hell. Well played & memorable to boot. However, the last song rings the carnival strong man bell. This makes the LP one of the year’s best.
“Final Thoughts” is a distinguished performance. The use of humor to tell a serious story is a challenge, but it’s everything folk music should be. Depth & charm, poignant lyrics, rural-toned musicianship that flows like a little ripple in a pond. Damn good. I’ll say it again, damn good.
Highlights – “Good Cover Story,” “Home Where I’m Loved,” “Ghastly Love,” “3 Part Strategy,” “Ghost of the Old Wire Road,” “Black Beer,” & “Final Thoughts.”
Musicians – John Sprott, Earl Cate & Gurf Morlix (guitars), John Davies (bass), David Ervin & Matt Nelson (keys).
Color image courtesy of Denis Sayer. CD @ https://www.seanharrisonsongs.com/
Song Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2025/02/10/song-premiere-sean-harrison-good-cover-story/
Video Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2025/03/10/video-premiere-sean-harrison-ghosts-of-the-old-wire-road/