Tim Grimm, an extensive and prolific American singer-songwriter, quickly returns to the fold with an album capturing the moments that matter and fleeting thoughts that manifest into malleable parts when communicated through the medium of song. GONE is the apt title considering the inspiration from departed contemporaries like David Olney, John Prine and Eric Taylor, of whom the latter is covered on the record. The content starts with eight tracks extended to nine when the opening song 'A Dream' receives the reprise treatment at the end This takes the duration over the forty minute mark indicating that each meticulously delivered song possesses a degree of substance.
The aforementioned opening track gracefully uses a stringed accompaniment to spin a measured personal song evoking thoughts that a dream can effectively spring you into any emotive situation. There are sentimental undertones to the second track 'Carry Us Away' where a a detectable tender banjo backdrop adds to the modesty of the moment and, vocally, Grimm manages the mood of the song well. A swift gear change ensues, and we get tossed into Johnny Cash narrative prose mode which transpires into a very catchy and fast paced story song. Listen carefully and read the lyric sheet if so inclined, but 'Cadillac Hearse' has a certain charm to it aided by a serenading of mandolin.
One of the recently deceased inspirations behind GONE in John Prine is a clear influence to another lyrical barrage that eloquently forms into the literary spun '25 Trees' circulating, educating and ultimately planting its impression into a fertile mind. 'Laurel Pearl', one of two co-writes on the record with the opening track, is a clear dedicated ditty bursting with gratitude and optimism. Transferring a touch of positivity that doesn't go amiss in a genre that spawns so many dark songs.
The Eric Taylor cover appears in the number six slot and 'Joseph Cross' succinctly fits into the essence of GONE and what is being celebrated in this bout of songwriting eminence. The title track 'Gone' follows the cover and is best summed up in the line 'the man who brought us Paradise has laid down his guitar/ he sang Angel from Montgomery - It's a big old goofy world'. At this point you recognise being in the company of somebody still stirring the pot and firing the words.
At this point 'Dreaming of King Lear' pulls the sentiment of the album together in the penultimate slot. Here, mentions get a little more explicit with the repeated line 'Michael Smith, Eric Taylor and David Olney' doing its bit to fan the flames of remembrance. A little search was required on the first of these with the expected result. All that remains is a reprise of the opener to bookend the message that Tim Grimm successfully transmits in GONE from artist to listener via a wealth of songs confirming an artist finely tuned and on top of their game.