Bill Scorzari – Sidereal Days (Day 2)
This is a well-rooted & expressive album with a lived-in voice. Rich tones & convincingly sung. No fireworks but simple glistening — enough to convince a listener these songs have their own built-in potency. “I Know You Know” has a homegrown capacity with a warm narrative in the tradition of Townes van Zandt & John Prine, with a gasoline-gargled voice of truth, pickles in a barrel, sawdust on the floor & a cat sleeping in the window by the flour sacks. Bill Scorzari’s music adds to the little degree of warmth the fireplace doesn’t reach.
If America has a fatherly sound, it’s probably people like Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Woody Guthrie & in the charred artistic voice of Bill Scorzari (vocals/acoustic & electric guitars/mandolin/banjo). The NY-based singer-songwriter offers his 6th independently released studio set – 2nd of 2 in a series of Sidereal Days (Day 2) (Drops September 25/ Independent/53:32).
Self-produced with Neilson Hubbard (drums/percussion) & recorded in Huntington, NY & Nashville, TN, the 11 tracks are superbly pensive, troubadour sharp, & what’s especially notable is Bill’s ability to conjure storylines relatable to listeners’ mental acuity & not just their toes, feet & hips. Bill has a Kris Kristofferson ideal set in his rural lyrical alchemy, Tim Hardin finesse, & Guy Clark edginess. All patched together into Bill’s imagery, laced with cinnamon melodies. Splendid on “So Much To Say on Rainy Days” & “That’s a Good Thing.”
Stylistically, on some songs, like “Middle Class Middle Child,” there are shards of Jon Dee Graham & for some reason certain songs & performances need that kind of vocal edge, growl, that rusty sparkle on the iron. It adds the authenticity that a more polished voice lacks. Michael Bolton & Rick Astley don’t have this weathered secret, though Kenny Loggins does (“Somebody Knows”).
But how does a white bearded guy who looks like a former member of ZZ Top possess so much scuffed boot, wheel grease, too many Maduro cigars, rusty screws in a Savarin coffee can & cracked leather in his voice? It’s a mystery, a beautiful mystery.
The most spirited song is “Time Is a River Now,” with its strong, soulful backup singers & well-accentuated lead guitar. You can’t say Bill can’t rock. The evidence is here, saved for last.
Highlights – “I Know You Know,” “I Think It’s Gonna Rain,” “Middle Class Middle Child,” “Open Door,” “So Much To Say on Rainy Days,” “That’s a Good Thing” & “Time Is a River Now.”
Musicians – Brad Talley (dobro), Chelsea McGough (cello), Cindy Richardson Walker & Marie Lewey (bgv), Danny Mitchell (piano/Hammond B3 organ/flugelhorn/trumpet), Eamon McLoughlin (violin/fiddle), Erin Rae (harmony), Megan McCormick (vocals), Joshua Britt (mandolin/mandola), Juan Solorzano (electric guitar/electric slide & baritone guitars/pedal steel/ganjo) & Michael Rinne (upright acoustic bass/electric bass).
Color image courtesy of Neilson Hubbard. CD @ https://billscorzari.com/2026-sidereal-days-day-2
Song Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2025/06/02/song-premiere-bill-scorzari-all-this-time/