Chris Ahlman – Santa Barbara Songs EP
This 7-song EP has a short running time, but it is thorough in its themes. Many of the songs were inspired by Chris’s time spent in Santa Barbara, CA. The lead track “The Perfect Fit” has a nice singer-songwriter atmospheric momentum, much like songs by Michael Smotherman (“Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?”), a song later covered by Ray Charles.
Mr. Ahlman (vocals/rhythm acoustic guitar) has a softer voice than Steve Earle, but has that ounce of grit that goes a long way in perfecting a warm, sincere singing style. Not all songs are supposed to be highly polished; there’s an element of reality in a song that has the depth of a lived-in voice. These songs aren’t even folky, country, easy listening, or mainstream pap (yes, pap with an a). They’re surprisingly good from a “singer-songwriter” motherlode.
“Six Strings of Freedom” & “Oh My Friend” are two individualistic tunes that aren’t meant to entertain as much as inform. Not preach but acknowledge. Chris is from the songwriting school (whether he’s aware of it or not) & the pens & pencils of Tim Hardin, Mickey Newbury, John Loudermilk, Dan Penn, Jim Croce (“Lover’s Cross”), & Smotherman.
His “It’s True With You” is definitely Hardin in tradition. Chris has it polished beautifully on every tune from Santa Barbara Songs (Dropped March 20/Independent/26:40), recorded in Nashville & produced by Cliff Goldmacher & Chris. The material, while not in a confessional song realm, is versatile in its lyrics & the melodies aren’t always sweet, cheesy, or typical. Chris has a pleasant, unifying coolness to his storytelling & the notes he applies to his songs, along with the backing vocals, are pure, appropriate & not dazzling, though they do at times sparkle.
There isn’t anything bombastic or overly dramatic with the numbers. Obviously, Chris is a craftsman who knows how much to sand off, what needs polish & what needs to be stained. Each tune is pristine, at times poetic, & the showcase is a precision performance. The titles of the songs in some instances could’ve been a little more creative. The titles are fairly basic, but that may be part of the simplicity Chris cherishes. There are no drum solos, no fiery lead guitars, & no rollicking piano runs. It’s all about the song, the expressiveness, the inspiration & sincerity. Chris Ahlman delivers on those like few can.
Highlights – “The Perfect Fit,” “Six Strings of Freedom,” “Oh My Friend,” “It’s True With You,” & “Slide Into Eternity.”
Musicians – Kerry Marx (electric guitars), Catherine Marx (Hammond B3/piano), Dave Francis (bass), Wes Little (drums) & Jessa Shown (vocals).
Color image courtesy of Sarah Goldmacher. CD @ https://www.chrisahlman.com/