Kenny
Butterill - Troubadour Tales
“By:George Peden,
The songs on this album capture and share my feelings and beliefs about the world we live in and our relationships to each other. Each song was inspired by an event or a person (or two) who champions that the collective “we” need to get our priorities straight. For those of you that know me I write from the heart. And I have to be truly inspired. These songs fit that bill.” -- Kenny Butterill
I have long admired the music of J.J.Cale. The gifted and inspired singer, songwriter and guitar player resonated with masses all over with his recognized riffs and his lazy mellow tones. He was a joy. He was one of those players who never pushed too hard; never exerted the playing, preferring to coast and let the music do its work.
In a similar distinctive and own–style presence, Kenny Butterill likewise excites the senses, drawing immediate comparisons to J.J. But while Butterill gives an influential nod to the talents of Cale, who sadly died of a heart attack on July 26/2013, Butterill is his own man driven by his own earthy passions for the music he makes.
I recall reviewing Butterill’s last album, Just A Songwriter, years back (can it be 10?) at that time I was more than impressed. “This is pure Americana with splashes of blues, jazzy riffs, and alt-country fusions for equal measure. There is no Nashville bravado here. No big hats and oversized belt buckles, no glamour shots holding the promise of a CMT special from a cowboy clothes horse. No. What is on offer is a tuneful palette of blended artistry.”
I have good news. The good just got a whole lot better, and the better has proven Butterill is at the top of his game. Butterill has flawlessly penned an album that highlights a wry observer of the human condition and a crafted commentator, one who captures the essence of honest Americana. This Northern California native has spent 10 years working on this project. It has been time well spent. Now against a lyrical and musical backdrop that is disclosing, purposeful and filled with observations, the album is pure and artistic. It is a listeners’ delight.
There are three standouts on Troubadour Tales. The writing is thoughtful and passionate. The playing, the musicianship, is the welded force that pins the project, while Butterill’s easy and relaxed vocals glide across the grooves.
Tracks like the harmonica-laden “Good Thing That Couldn’t Happen Here”, a theme for the common man, one that explores the relentless pursuit of power and control by bureaucracies is, simply, brilliant. The voice, the playing (clear and mood shifting) draws and compels further listens. “Old Man & The Kid” is a thoughtful reflection on the lifelong charter of the need to help, while the easy- strummed “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” is a look to a love of open honesty and deep sharing. However, and it needs saying, all 13 tracks here offer something; unlike so much modern music that comes with filler, indulgent and extended guitar breaks, and the need to hang it all on one sure-fired hit. There is none of that here.
Troubadour Tales is a rich and keen offering, reliant on nothing but talent. Kenny Butterill is a singer, songwriter and a producer of considerable ability. The needed proof is this album took so long to make. Perfection takes time.
We’ve missed the music. The wait has been lengthy, but it’s been worth it. For mine, this is one of the best all round albums I’ve heard this year. I love it.
If you enjoy mellow and relaxed vocals along with gifted, bluesy playing, you will too.
http://kennybutterill.com/
The songs on this album capture and share my feelings and beliefs about the world we live in and our relationships to each other. Each song was inspired by an event or a person (or two) who champions that the collective “we” need to get our priorities straight. For those of you that know me I write from the heart. And I have to be truly inspired. These songs fit that bill.” -- Kenny Butterill
I have long admired the music of J.J.Cale. The gifted and inspired singer, songwriter and guitar player resonated with masses all over with his recognized riffs and his lazy mellow tones. He was a joy. He was one of those players who never pushed too hard; never exerted the playing, preferring to coast and let the music do its work.
In a similar distinctive and own–style presence, Kenny Butterill likewise excites the senses, drawing immediate comparisons to J.J. But while Butterill gives an influential nod to the talents of Cale, who sadly died of a heart attack on July 26/2013, Butterill is his own man driven by his own earthy passions for the music he makes.
I recall reviewing Butterill’s last album, Just A Songwriter, years back (can it be 10?) at that time I was more than impressed. “This is pure Americana with splashes of blues, jazzy riffs, and alt-country fusions for equal measure. There is no Nashville bravado here. No big hats and oversized belt buckles, no glamour shots holding the promise of a CMT special from a cowboy clothes horse. No. What is on offer is a tuneful palette of blended artistry.”
I have good news. The good just got a whole lot better, and the better has proven Butterill is at the top of his game. Butterill has flawlessly penned an album that highlights a wry observer of the human condition and a crafted commentator, one who captures the essence of honest Americana. This Northern California native has spent 10 years working on this project. It has been time well spent. Now against a lyrical and musical backdrop that is disclosing, purposeful and filled with observations, the album is pure and artistic. It is a listeners’ delight.
There are three standouts on Troubadour Tales. The writing is thoughtful and passionate. The playing, the musicianship, is the welded force that pins the project, while Butterill’s easy and relaxed vocals glide across the grooves.
Tracks like the harmonica-laden “Good Thing That Couldn’t Happen Here”, a theme for the common man, one that explores the relentless pursuit of power and control by bureaucracies is, simply, brilliant. The voice, the playing (clear and mood shifting) draws and compels further listens. “Old Man & The Kid” is a thoughtful reflection on the lifelong charter of the need to help, while the easy- strummed “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” is a look to a love of open honesty and deep sharing. However, and it needs saying, all 13 tracks here offer something; unlike so much modern music that comes with filler, indulgent and extended guitar breaks, and the need to hang it all on one sure-fired hit. There is none of that here.
Troubadour Tales is a rich and keen offering, reliant on nothing but talent. Kenny Butterill is a singer, songwriter and a producer of considerable ability. The needed proof is this album took so long to make. Perfection takes time.
We’ve missed the music. The wait has been lengthy, but it’s been worth it. For mine, this is one of the best all round albums I’ve heard this year. I love it.
If you enjoy mellow and relaxed vocals along with gifted, bluesy playing, you will too.
http://kennybutterill.com/
