Grand Rapids, Michigan is the home of the now settled family man and he uses this base to span his writing from the intensely personal, politically regional to wider global issues. Alternative perspectives are a key driver for Cameron’s writing and a vital accompaniment for coming to grips with his literary messages was an informed song analysis piece on his website. Perhaps reading this before tackling the music is the way forward as elements of intrigue certainly leap from your screen as you gather this information. Once feeling informed about the implicit, explicit and abstract, the puzzle begins to emerge from its fragmented pieces.
Cameron, in the tradition of the protest genre, has numerous key issues in his sights as he tackles the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in ‘Rise and Shine’, and more closer to home
causes in ‘North Dakota Oil’ and ‘Detroit’. The first and last of this
trio are the closest he gets to surpassing the message with musical effect with
the former labelled with chorus intent. The two home causes reflect Cameron’s
alternative lyrical approach as ‘Detroit’
is focussed on recession victims, while the state of North Dakota gets
personified in its critique. Also on Cameron’s social justice mission are the
issues raised in ‘Welfare Street’ such as disabled workers and dishonest politicians.
Dedication to his unborn daughter in ‘Ultrasound’ shows the
tender side of Cameron’s work which is equally as creative in taking obscure
external observations and moulding them into songs. This has proved the
evolution process of the curious ‘Home
Movie’, ‘Fireman Snowman’ and ‘Wild
Blue Garden’, all quite vivid accounts once understood. However like all
twelve tracks that form this album, it is a case of one man versus his subject
armed only with a guitar, occasional piano and a bunch of words. This is a
format long the staple of the solo folk protest singer-songwriter and Cameron
slips extremely comfortable into this role.
ALONE ON THE WORLD STAGE is a lyrical beast which gains in
momentum with each listen, providing the circumstances and mood are right. Experience
of other mono driven song writers such as Nick Drake, Bob Dylan and Leonard
Cohen will help with understanding Cameron Blake, and accessing his inner
thoughts via the songs on this album reveal an artist with masses of
interesting ideas and perceptions to share. Perseverance is the key to unlock
this piece of work and enjoy its treasures.