Chris Rawlins – Flyover
Something quite different & reminiscent of the late Kenny Rankin on the opening tune “After Dark.” A good after-hour lounge tune with the last call moments away & the crowd thinning out as their sleepy eyes stand to listen to one more nightcap tune. Chris Rawlins is relaxing & has an easy-going, lush & distinguished style. No over-emoting ala Josh Groban, bombastic soulless readings like Michael Bolton, or showbiz glitz of Michael Buble.
Instead, he basically blends the Rankin warmth with a Tim Hardin edginess. “You Were Again” is excellent, typical of Hardin (“Reason To Believe”) & even songwriter Geoff Stephens (“The Girl That Stood Beside Me”). Good lyrical passages, lovely melody & Rawlins’ “not afraid of being vulnerable” voice.
There are 9 lyrical explorations of the American Midwest sequenced in an emotional life in transition. The music is transported through an effective ambient folk production without sounding too chintzy, sappy, or glazed in cliches. No matter what words Rawlins sings, his pristine voice is ever so convincing & sincere in Flyover (Drops Oct 24/Independent/32:18).
Produced by Chris (vocals/acoustic & electric guitars/synth/organ/piano), with John Abbey (bass/electric guitar) & recorded in Chicago. These are all Rawlins originals, & once again across the gentle poetic style of Tim Hardin comes “Firefly,” that has the same ballad magic as Hardin’s “Misty Roses.” The entire set is easy-going going so don’t expect musical fireworks, show-boating, or blues. Many songs have optimistic themes not steeped in any one genre. Nothing country heavy, folky confection, rock heavy, or commercial sugar. Each song is a little postcard with vivid storytelling, poignant references, stamped with expressive moments. You know — what good songwriting usually provides.
I like the style Chris exudes. Late-night fare. It’s definitely an after-hours perceptive signature just short of an undercurrent of melancholy, but not quite. His short & distinct song titles aren’t creative, but they aren’t rooted in the mire of repetition. No “Hold On,” or simply “Love,” – titles that a million songs possess with no imagination. Rawlins has imagination. A close listen to his lyrics (“Flyover”) reveals how deep he goes with his disciplined words.
While Chris doesn’t entirely drown out his singing with emotional intonation in his phrases, his tone is what sweetens the sentimentality, the gentle phrasing that makes it sound more like he’s talking to you confidentially. “Nondescript” is superb. He’s also using a songwriting value that few songwriters use to their advantage. They sing & project out instead of singing with the soft fabric of their voice. To go not only for the ears but the soul.
The LP is filled with meticulously written songs that are absorbing, articulate offerings, & reflections.
Highlights –“After Dark,” “You Were Again,” “Firefly,” “More Perfect,” “Flyover,” “Nondescript,” & “Anywhere.”
Musicians – Gerald Dowd & David Prusina (drums), Matthew Pittman (electric guitar), & Brian Wilkie (pedal steel).
Image of Chris courtesy of Sarah Elizabeth Larson. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.chris-rawlins.com/
