Sometimes it’s baffling to understand release dates in the
digital age but HEARSAY by Stephen Simmons is getting renewed press in the UK
well over a year since its availability and a couple of months after its
successor! Putting industry labels and distribution methods to one side, this
seventh album by Stephen once again showcases a singer-songwriter determined to
plough an integrity laced route of country music true to his beliefs and heart.
Maybe this means he has to work a little harder to find outlets for his music
including regular sorties into Europe but when a solidified connection is made
between artist and listener then fruition of a lifelong journey comes to a
head.
HEARSAY is your quintessential collection of storytelling
country music, rich in influence and aiming to capture the soul of a late night
jam with or without the addition of the odd tipple. Combining the heritage of
his rural Tennessee upbringing with the travails of the road, the album is full
of themes akin to both city and countryside dwellers. Awash with pedal steel
and an attention to careful lyrical details, Stephen succeeds in smoothing the
path to the listener’s ear offering a favourable deal for those with an insatiable
appetite for dose of refined nostalgia.
The track ‘I’ll Be
Your Johnny Cash’ will meet the approval of those who ears prick up to any
mention of the Man in Black, although this time it’s Audrey Hepburn who
replaces June Carter in the chorus. Stephen’s curious take on love leads us
into the seedy world of establishments as laid out in the memorably titled ‘The Boobie Bungalow Gentleman’s Club’. One
black mark with Stephen’s lyrical offering surfaces in the export of his music
to the UK in the use of the word ‘spaz’ which has far more offensive
connotations than it appears in the US. The sentiment of the song, ‘Stardust’ is to create a derogatory image
with the words ‘jerk’ and ‘ass’ also used without the same degree of effect to
us Brits.
Close your eyes and falling into the charm of the beautiful ‘I Ain’t Lonely (I’m Just Lonesome)’ is
one of the albums true delights along with the informed and inspired narrative to ‘Horse Cave, Kentucky’ spinning a tale of
a painted canvas of real life. ‘Hearsay’
the title track which opens this eleven song strong release, just pulling up a minute
short of the three quarters of an hour duration, is reminiscent of much of the current
singer-songwriter style emerging from East Nashville, with a fair amount
finding a receptive audience overseas. Without an over use of country clichés,
the ubiquitous serving of melancholy is presented in album closer ‘Just Like a Sad Song’ and, like much of
this record, the track attracts your attention and leaves a lasting rewarding
effect.
It has already been referred to that Stephen Simmons is an
eternal music traveller and opportunities to catch him live come around
frequently. Renewed press for HEARSAY will help present an album which will
meet approval by those looking to kick back and immerse themselves in a sound keeping
nostalgia relevant in this modern age. It also acts as a perfect introduction
to his work and certainly entices seeking out one of his shows.
www.stephensimmonsmusic.com