JOHN WASHBURN
Stumbling Still Warm .... (Wayward)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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A while back David Lowery fiercely proclaimed that "what the world needs now is another folk singer / like I need a hole in my head", and frankly, I was in his corner. That was long ago, and there has been a relapse. Every now and then some folk finds it's way on to the player, and sometimes it manages to stay a while. John Washburn may not be a true folkie, but if he were to be clumped into a category, that one might fit. Sounds almost as bad as singer-songwriter (like who isn't?), but don't let it deter ya from a good listen. Stumbling Still Warm... has a gentle, comforting feel; an album that digs deeper with each listen. And though the focus is on the words and delivery, it is Washburn's stellar guitar work that really makes the record go. Forgoing the usual strumming accompaniment, Washburn injects several great guitar licks, especially the tremolo drenched Chris Isaak sound of "Satellite."

© 2002 - John Sekerka