Chris Cuddy — Music Reviews

The title and cover image should give you a clue of where the inspiration for this album comes from. If not then the song Rock ’n’ Roll History will. Cuddy’s mission is rooted in the spirit of the music that emerged in the 50s and continues to this day. It would appear to have been recorded, from the production notes, over a number of years as, in the case of Rock ’n’ Roll History the accompanying band listed is the Tom Russell Band who, in this particular line-up, have not been together in many years. The track also has pianist Gene Taylor and guitarist Albert Lee as guests on the recording. There are eight different recording studio and sets of players listed and a number of different producers, with Cuddy serving as executive producer. However, the album hangs together with a common aim and theme.

All 15 songs are credited to Cuddy, who takes lead vocals throughout and his voice is well suited to the songs. This is a rockin’ affair, with all the musicians getting into the groove of classic rock ’n’ roll, rockabilly, pop and touches of blues. The backing vocals are also used to bolster that feeling, though the album doesn’t actually sound like it was recorded back then as the production process is more contemporary in attitude. It is the arrangements that give Dear Elvis the flavour of earlier times.

Gene Taylor also adds his piano skills to Tom Cat, a soulful late night song about a night time tomcatting man. Just Say No has Cuddy on harmonica on a driving song with a solid guitar riff from George Bradfute. I’m A Cadillac has a nice slow build with bass and slide guitar providing most of the backing. The pure 50’s pop of Starlene with it’s twangy guitar take you right back to another era soundwise, while the closing title track is a voice and acoustic guitar slow ballad that pleads to Elvis for sympathy, trusting that the King’s understanding of all matters of the heart and that his music made him someone who understood such dilemmas.

There is no doubt Cuddy loves the music from that era and his songs evoke it well without being simple recreations; rather they are inspired by the foundations of a genre that has moved on but here he wants to remind us the power and innocence of those times. If you accept that premise, this music will please - or if nothing else send you back to those early sounds. Cuddy has done his job well here, reminding us of the foundations of rock with a set of songs that are evocative and entertaining in there own right.

Cuddy is an eclectic singer/songwriter who encompasses many different musical directions, although they could all conceivably fit under the broad ‘roots’ banner, over the 13 songs on this, his 10th solo album. Responsible for the writing of all the material featured here, Cuddy has a distinctive enough voice to handle the various ways these songs drift. Players such as Keith Glass, Jim Hurst and Steve Conn join Cuddy and a host of other players who play steel and pedal steel guitar, mandolin, fiddle. harmonica, accordion and keyboards over the bass and drums foundation to give these songs their rootsy flavours.

Cuddy gives a brief descriptive note under each title that sum up the songs pretty well. For instance Amy is described as “a jazzy tribute to one of the greats who left us too soon”. It is a laid back song with double bass and soft brushed drums and subtle guitar in which Cuddy tells of his feelings of loss for the late singer. By way of contrast IBMA Blues is a bluegrass influenced song that features Jim Hurst and Emory Lester on guitar and mandolin. The title track sounds as if it should be coming out of a ‘50s jukebox where country meets rockabilly. Another song, Whiskey Train, tells of perils of a old soldier who needs alcohol to take many pains away. (Got a) Brand New Heartache sounds like a classic country songs and is finely wrought song with a effective second vocal and prominent fiddle. It is an album highlight.

Drive-Thru Daiquiri Bar is another strong song with accordion that tells of “just another day on the dark side” and Cuddy uses his voice well on the chorus. She Reminded Me of You tells a story with a south of the border feel that is simple in it’s delivery, but memorable in its telling. A slightly heavier tone suits the closing song There Goes My Mind Again, a tale of a slightly unhinged sentiment of a man left alone.

Overall Chris Cuddy is an interesting writer who can make all of these varied sounds work as an interesting whole and each listener will soon find their own favourites within this collection of songs.