'REMNANTS OF A CONVERSATION'
(album/ DOSS MUSIC)
Michigan man Henry Doss is a truly extraordinary person, as this fantastic debut album does indeed testify.
Up until a few years ago, Henry was a very successful banker, but his passion for music became too much, and from being one of his past-times, it has now become an integral part of his life, for he has turned his back on his banking career (save for some consultancy work now and then) to concentrate on making his own music, and in just a couple of years he has became very well known in and around the Traverse City area of Upper Michigan, and over in the UK for his stunning musical collaborations with Hull singer-songwriter Emma Rugg.
These ten tracks, which are spread neatly over a running time of 45 minutes, hears Henry making sweet, sweet music with his backing band of four musicians that includes Ray Smith on lead and rhythm guitar, whose melodic prowess on such instruments helps to ensure that the album's opening track in 'Good Intentions' is gracefully poignant and affecting.
The style of Henry's music is rooted in the 'Country' music genre, although some of the songs are so catchy that they could be deemed as 'Country-Pop' songs, while 'I've Been Thinking' (which is one of the songs that he later re-recorded with Emma Rugg) is most definitely the most rocking and upbeat track.
'I Miss You' makes the most of Al Jankowski's talents on keyboards with a piano-tickled tune underpinning the track, before 'Just Another Morning' ('I see your face in the mirror but my mind's on the freeway') hears all instruments involved working together perfectly as another of Al's piano melodies dazzlingly interacts with the lush guitar sounds - with John Hefty on bass - and Roger Tarczon's steady drum beat.
'Lies' is one of the most outstanding examples of how Henry's affecting vocals never fail to strike a chord in the heart of the listener, and while most of the tracks are very serious and fleetingly sad, none of them are in anyway depressing, but always uplifting.
Best of all, every single track has its own distinctive melody and vibe. Some bands never fail to release albums on which virtually every song present sounds like the next one, but that's one of the great things about this album in 'Remnants Of A Conversation.' No riffs are repeated, and the musicianship involved is first-rate throughout, making you honestly wonder just how Henry has taken such a drastic 'career change' so seemingly effortlessly in his far-reaching stride.
In truth, Henry and his band are so talented at writing and performing Henry's songs that, collectively, they sound to be the real deal and that they've been doing this kind of thing for a living for years. As far as melodic, lyrically sophisticated 'Country'-rock songs go, these are fabulous. What's even more exciting is the revelation that Emma Rugg has flown out to see Henry again to work on some new material, so look out and listen� because music this great demands your attention. (Steve Rudd)
www.henrydoss.com
www.emmarugg.com
www.indreamsrecords.com