Bob Westfall
In a Heartbeat
(Newesterner)
A wonderful balance of spirited playing and thoughtful lyrics informs Bob Westfall’s new disc. A warm, honest feeling greets the listener with strong, resonant tones from a well-chosen acoustic setting and Bob’s powerful voice. Blending folk, jazz and bluegrass, to name but a few, In a Heartbeat brings a confidant aura to whatever it touches. Whether with stark tranquility (“Give Love Away”) or sassy slur (“Stars and Moon,” complete with horns and a Texas blues beat), Bob’s smokey, seasoned vocals work equally well conjuring dreams, weaving tales or seizing the moment. Opening the disc with a brief acappela chorus, the program moves smoothly through an elegant arrangement of strings before closing with a highly energetic instrumental. The entire disc changes moods several times over, but maintains an identity through its consistent focus on strong emotions and knowing instrumentation. Along with violinist Chris Wagoner, singer/bassist Mary Gaines and drummer Jim Huwe, Bob kicks off romps and pours out reflections, mixing up meltdowns for spicy meditations. Both restless and resolute, Bob’s style alludes to such troubadours as Bruce Cockburn, Jimmie Spheeris and Luka Bloom. But, like those individuals, Bob is an original. Poetic and philosophical, In a Heartbeat reaches for the heavens and dances among the stars.
John Noyd |
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