Don Arbor – Hope Is Hard To Kill
This is a set of songs from an award-winning artist who mixes some striking messages into his proficient melodies. But this is about reviewing (not criticizing) an effort—musically. Don’s chosen this path as his main thrust. He applies expertise to his music, which at least allows it to be equally entertaining. His loyal audience may be enough to sustain him. His lead cut “Lost” is a pleasant upbeat ‘70s rock-inflected groove. A good starting point.
The 12-track Hope Is Hard To Kill (Dropped Oct 24/Independent/44:35) was produced by Steve Savage & Don Arbor (vocals/acoustic guitar/harmony). The showcase is adorned in varied genres: blues-tinged rock, balladry, lite-country, soft-rock, & edgier tunes. While I don’t agree with all of Mr. Arbor’s messages, it’s obvious that Don has a passion for his work. As an artist, Don plays & sings well. Far more folky than rock-exuberant, he still sings affectingly throughout. His set will appeal to a selective audience. However, his well-crafted songs may find a home in some ears as simply what they should be – good music.
Don isn’t Phil Ochs, but he does have a talent for melody & is consistent with this application. He’s the type of “rock singer” Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary professed to be. Paul was quite good on “I Dig Rock ‘n’ Roll Music,” & Don shares space in that field. “Hope Is Hard To Kill” is a good folk-rock tune with a well-contoured guitar lead that’s penetrating. Don’s voice is better in spots than others. This song is basically rooted in the same affirming assemblage as many ‘60s counter-culture songs that weren’t too radicalized (“Eve of Destruction”) but more meaningful & hopeful (“Give Peace a Chance”).
My issues with this musical approach have always been the concern of an artist losing part of their audience. But Mr. Arbor navigates quite well. He’s shaped his tunes into warmly insightful stand-alone numbers with tasty melodies, & engaging vocals that aren’t angry. Closer to Ochs is “History of the Future,” crafted skillfully & dressed in attractive melodic threads. He’s not as directly outspoken as Joan Baez since there are ways to perform message-oriented tunes without being preachy, but instructive. Don has this decorative competence.
The novelty-crafted “Christmas On Mars” has a Beatlesque touch. Nice. Don’s not a caustic messenger. Not quite as deep as Dylan — but worth a listen.
Highlights – “Lost,” “Lifeline,” “Hope Is Hard To Kill,” “History of the Future,” “It Should Have Been Me,” “Message In a Billion Bottles,” & “Christmas On Mars.”
Musicians – Stef Burns & Tal Morris (electric lead & rhythm guitars), John R. Burr (keys), Curtis Ohlson (bass), Kevin Hayes & John Mader (drums/percussion), Joe Hebert (cello), Mads Tolling (violin/viola), Barbara Higbie (violin), Jill Suttie, Larry Batiste, Jeanie Tracey, Kaitie Ty Williams, & Ryann Morris (harmonies).
CD cover image courtesy of Irene Young. CD @ Bandcamp/Apple/Amazon + https://donarbor.com/