Rob Hill – Love & Salt Water
This is a pleasantly recorded collection of songs by an exceptional troubadour singer-songwriter who explores the age-old tradition of storytelling through song. Rob Hill (lead & harmony vocals/bgv/acoustic guitars) has some wonderful songs in his repertoire. “London” is catchy, percussive & threaded with the clarity of acoustic guitars, ethereal backup & plain musical skill. I marvel at the fact that more songs like this aren’t a surplus in the top 25. This has melody, vitality, & good vocals.
This showcase features 10 typically well-written songs that touch upon Mr. Hill’s deep-rooted connection to the ocean & his journey through his unique musical menu. The material on Love & Salt Water (Dropped May 22/Exit 104 Records/40:21) was produced by Brandon Bush (drums/percussion/keyboards) & recorded at The Projector Room in Decatur, GA, with additional recording at Exit 104 Media Studios in Olympia, WA.
There are plenty of clever lines in Rob’s lyrics even though he’s chosen not to get edgy or sugar-coated. The songs have substance, are smashingly delivered without a hint of bombastic embellishment, & arrive with well-articulated phraseology. “Foolishly” has a simple title, but this song is no throwaway. At times, Hill is as humorous as Sam Leno (“Ordinary Man” album), as lyrically clever as Michael Dinner (“Apple Annie”), a dash of James Taylor & as invested in his charming music as the late Tom Jans (“Loving Arms”). Yes, I know many people reading this have probably never heard of all of these fine artists, but this is the root of Hill’s sensitive, well-conceived compositions. He maintains a credible songwriting tradition.
There’s a haunting dip into the warmth of Jimmy Buffett with “One With the Ocean” as well, but it’s not consistent. This is not Rob’s selling point, but it is his comfort zone. This would be an ideal late-career Beach Boys song now that Brian Wilson is no longer their guiding light. The album has a summer significance. The backup vocals are airy, salt-sea breezy, & refreshing. “Just because I’m missing doesn’t mean I’m lost.” Wonderful line – from “Island Girl.” Both the Buffett ideal, some reggae & the Beach Boys essence with a near-Bobby Rydell female backup quality. The song is quite comfortable with Hill’s voice & arrangement.
Some tunes have an easy-listening pulse, spirit, & focus. This is the perfect summer record with a gin & tonic, a margarita, a clam bake & squishing your toes in the warm sand.
Highlights – “London,” “Foolishly,” “One With the Ocean,” & “Island Girl.”
Musicians – Benji Shanks (bass/acoustic, electric & Resonator guitars/banjo/ukelele), Stephanie Layton (bgv/lead vocals “Something Useful”), Emalee Hill & Ruby Hill (bgv), Travis McNabb (drums/percussion on “Island Girl”), Brain Dasher (harmonica), Justin Schipper (pedal steel), Kristian Bush (acoustic guitars), Juston Powell (trumpet), & the Bar Hopping Barroom Choir.
Cover photography courtesy of Michele Watson. CD @ Apple & https://robhillmusic.com/