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LA singer/songwriter Jeff Merchant has been in several different bands over the years, most notably The Lullabies, but maybe a career as a solo artist is where he'll best make a mark. His solo LP, window rolled down is a dense, interesting album, employing diverse instruments that actually keeps you interested track after track. The notion of singer/songwriter usually conjures up visions of some guy with a guitar, a bass player, and a drummer churning out the same old same old. But Merchant goes the distance, utilizing the Upright Bass, Viola, French Horn, Flugelhorn, Trumpet, Cello, Vibraphone, Sax, Flute and so on and so on. Merchant's vocals provide a nice complement to the music. His voice reminds me of Ben Gibbard from Death Cab, but that's me. This was the first album in some time that I received from an artist that I played multiple times by choice, as opposed to a need to dig in enough to be able to write about it.
My favorite song on the album is Lil Miss Riding Hood, a haunting song that really gives you a good idea of what Merchant's music is all about. For fans of music with depth and purpose, give Jeff Merchant a listen.
Jeff Merchant - Lil Miss Riding Hood Jeff Merchant - Landlord Song Sick Of It Wounds Will Heal
Jeff Merchant's new album provides a dizzying mix of melody, textures and conceptual design; such a broad mix, in fact, that even a generous sixteen songs can't seem to contain it all.
While he's enlisted some impressive collaborators -- members of Brian Wilson's amazingly adept back-up band, the irrepressible Stew and up-and-comers Listing Ship lend their talents and expertise -- it's Merchant's ability to turn a phrase and take his tunes into unexpected realms that makes Window Rolled Down both a challenge and a triumph. The songs meander along with an easy lilt, buoyed by lush, billowy arrangements thick with atmosphere and effervescence.
...after soaking up the pretty, wistful sigh of “All Of The Times” or reveling in the stirring strains of “Wounds Will Heal,” it quickly becomes apparent that Merchant's a master when it comes to crafting lofty tunes with instant appeal.
...a talented artist who works well in his realm.
*(CLICK ON THE MUZIKALIA REVIEW TO VIEW ENGLISH TRANSLATION)
Lullabies member Jeff Merchant is a purveyor of slickly arranged orchestral
indie pop with jazz and folk undertones. It's one remarkably smooth listen,
carrying the listener effortlessly along from auspicious start to fine
finish. RIYD: Donovan, The Field Mice, Nick Drake, Belle and Sebastian.
-- Lucas Jensen
indie pop with jazz and folk undertones. It's one remarkably smooth listen,
carrying the listener effortlessly along from auspicious start to fine
finish. RIYD: Donovan, The Field Mice, Nick Drake, Belle and Sebastian.
-- Lucas Jensen