One Band Man Reviews
Maverick Magazine (UK), Album Reviews, May 2008
4½ (out of 5 stars)
Fantastically quirky collection of original material, best
described as folk-rocky blues, from a singer-songwriter who certainly
believes in doing things differently
Former writer for such magazines as Rolling Stone and the New
Yorker, Geoffrey Welchman and this superb release have really blown my
socks off. With this fine collection of twelve original compositions
he has thrown the rulebook straight out of the window.
To start with
he plays all the instruments, bass, guitar, keyboards and even learnt
to play the drums so he didn’t have to bring in a session player. He
also uses several effects and samples to create one of the most
unusual and exciting releases I have ever had the privilege of
reviewing.
This isn’t a traditional singer songwriter album, oh no,
here we have music influenced by such diverse artistes as the Beatles,
Marvin Gaye and trip-hop band Moloko. He even cites an album of music
by the 15th century Nun and composer Hildegard von Bingen;
I did state it was unusual.
The album opens with The Trial,
the song opening with a sample taken from a courtroom session and
then the opening acoustic guitar chords lead us into a false sense of
security. Geoffrey has that unique knack of weaving words and
stringing them together, complete with multi-layered harmonies, all
making sense but not in the conventional form and when backed by his
funky, almost bluesy guitar style what we get is a snapshot of life
through the eyes and ears of a truly original artiste.
Crowd
Control starts with an electro, glam; 1970s beat backing the
acoustic guitar and then builds to become one of the most memorable
highlights on the album, both musically and lyrically. Take the line
‘"Weapons of mass destruction, cheeseburger and fries, blow up a whole
nation, change the system from inside"’ words of wit and
intellectualism are to the fore and Geoffrey delivers us a songwriting
master class.
On several of the tracks I was reminded of acts such as
Squeeze and that quintessential English band of pop experimentalists,
the sadly now defunct XTC, especially on tracks such as Hard To
Know and Here, My Dear, intelligent, original, pop,
prog-rock are all words that come to mind. This album, repackaged and
released by a major label would be massive here in the UK.
One of the
most inspired tracks Hildegard starts with a beautiful
harpsichord intro leading us into a gorgeous tribute to the
above-mentioned German composer, odd but quite commercial, this track
also showcasing the mastery of the guitar that Geoffrey Welchman
possesses. Commercial is perhaps an unusual statement to make of such
a unique release, but that is what it is. ONE BAND MAN crosses many
musical genres and has wide appeal, not easy listening, but simply an
album to listen to. Highly recommended!
JHS
Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange, CD Reviews, Feb 19, 2008
"There is a seductive quality to the music here that pulled me back
and pulled me in to listen closer....First, Mr. Welchman is
a remarkable multi-instrumental musician as well as being a facile and
versatile vocalist.
Much of the material employs a
musical irony with the generally light pop musical mood masking the
frequently more serious lyric. The opening track, The Trial,
exemplifies this. The great music structure that moves the tune along
through various passages tends to lighten the emotional angst that
underpins the lyrics.
I find most of the album like this.
The lightness of the music buoys more serious thoughts so that the
listener is not overwhelmed with the subject matter. The lyrics never
go deep enough to be depressing but are pitched at just the right level
so you can either think about what he is saying or bounce along with
the catchy melodies.
One of the fun things about
listening to this effort is trying to pull apart all the different
influences and musical references that abound. So far I've heard
elements that remind me of Jethro Tull, The Beatles, Creedence
Clearwater Revival, Elvis Costello and even Frank Kafka. All these
influences are artfully combined to present a sound palette that seems
to span decades; from '60s psychedelic to '90s light rock."
Americana UK webzine, CD Reviews, Jan. 29, 2008 (7 out of 10)
"If Geoffrey Welchman had set out to make an album that would please
everyone, he wouldn’t have made One Band Man. It’s an intelligent,
though-provoking album but it’s also about as far from an easy listen
as it’s possible to get.
And rather paradoxically he’s achieved that feat by staying true to a
simple philosophy, A songwriter writes his songs and then the singer
sings them, it’s almost incidental that they happen to be the same
person. In between the process is horn of uneccessary performance, at
it’s root One Band Man is 12 great songs. But within that framework
Welchman weaves some magical moments, Crowd Control for one has sharp
lyrical teeth, it’s deconstruction of modern life is as caustic as
anything offered by more celebrated writers.
One Band Man is also an album devoid of flow. Fender Bender is quirky,
Is It Okay plaintive and down to earth while Right Before My Eyes
explodes into life. If you’re looking for a central theme you’re out of
luck. In reality Geffrey Welchman and One Band Man should bring to mind
other songs and singers, it should be easy to identify a host of
influences, but it’s not. Everything is skewed just enough to make it
unique."
RadioIndy.com, Jan 2008
"One Band Man" is filled with lyrics, licks, and lessons of life
that reflect the abounding talents of Geoffrey Welchman. In keeping
with historical trend-makers, Welchman shows us the path of bluesy,
contemporary music, as he echoes past, present and future sentiment in
this well-put together package. The musicianship on the CD is
impressive, especially considering that Geoffrey performed all of the
instruments himself. The production is very clean with some interesting
effects.
The highlight of the CD, however, is the songwriting, which
combines interesting and sometimes unpredictable chord progressions
with clever and well thought-out lyrics. One of our favorite tracks,
"Unforgiven" is an adult rock track filled with raw emotion that blends
electric guitar licks with beautiful self-harmonies. "Fender Bender"
begins with some interesting effects that fade into a catchy bass line
that provides a very cool groove for this track. This CD is well worth
a listen to hear some of the creative songwriting and impressive
musicianship of one talented person!" (Terri D., Manny V, and RadioIndy.com)
Whisperin' and Hollerin'.com, Jan 2008 (5 stars)
"WELCHMAN'S strengths are in his guitar playing and his voice....His funky acoustic guitar playing has a fluency and tautness that sets
up a mood for sharply observed man-of-the-people songs. The damped
chords and occasional solo runs sound simple, but make a lot of demands
on technique. It’s sound that harks back to the early 1970s (the name
Jim Croce comes to mind). A bit bluesy, a bit folksy, and varied enough
to keep the album moving along very nicely.
WELCHMAN's voice has real panache too. He sings with a blues edge on a
fairly strong tenor voice that can make the words stand out and keep a
tune rolling."
New-Noise.net Webzine, Nov 16, 2007
"..Welchman's second album, a follow up to 2001's well received 'Comfort Noise'...There is a very 60s each-song-must-sound-different feel throughout that works to hold your attention--there is a trippy song, a classical tune, and Beatles-esque pop by the bucketload....literate poppy folk.."
Independent Clauses Webzine, July/Aug '07
"Simple, classic instrumental work"
Music Monthly, August 2007, Regional Reviews
"The Trial and this CD holds court with an instant judgement of lyrical and vocal authority. Geoffrey Welchman is an intelligent, confident musician at work. Crowd Control reinforces the authority with its lyrcial excellence and fine production: vocal, effect, and miking choices . . "
"Truth, and good harmonies.....Here, there, and everywhere the instruments, arrangements, and placements in the mix mark a deep intelligence and taste--sometimes surprising, always approaching perfection."
"Generally, each song is unique, highly creative, and non-formulaic. Geoffrey Welchman is multitalented: a fine writer, player of all instruments, singer, and arranger, a "One Band Man," indeed. The recording, mixing, and mastering, for the most part are superb. This is one of the best truly solo albums since Todd Rundgren's Something/Anything. An accomplishment for a local lad."
Radio Voce Spazio DJ Massimo Ferro (Highway 61), July 2007
".. an interesting and original album.."
WCVF-FM DJ Tom Bingham (General Eclectic), June 2007
"Crowd Control" named "Protest Song of the Week"
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