[FM] review of david m. bailey's CD "One More Day"
Kevin
celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com
Fri, 04 Feb 2000 20:19:45 -0800
Below is my review of david m. bailey's CD "One More Day".
To see the review nicely formatted in your web browser, please view
the version on my web site at:
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A Review of the CD
"One More Day"
by david m. bailey
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"One More Day"
by david m. bailey
copyright 1999 - ISG2017
ISG Records
113 Matthew Court
Stafford, VA 22554
ph: 1-888-495-6575
http://www.notbychance.com
mailto:david@notbychance.com
This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 11/99
http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/index.html
Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews
mailto:celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com
Subtle and simple truths and observations are the backbone of david m.
bailey's latest release, "One More Day." This is a philosophical,
reflective offering, providing no profound insights but rather, thoughtful
reminders of the overlooked beauty and unacknowledged grace that surrounds
us daily.
On "Simple Things," bailey amply displays this viewpoint:
"Blackberries growing by the cornfield
Red sun setting in the west
Blue birds singing to the sky
The simple things are still the best
Cool breeze blowing in the morning
Warm blankets as you rest
The simple things are still the best...
I don't know why we complicate the obvious
Make everything harder than it has to be
It doesn't take a mastermind to understand the beauty
Of the simple love given to you and me..."
"As They Do" adds that we too often overlook and maybe unfortunately
outgrow looking at the world through the vantage point of a child's eyes:
"I got dandelions in my bed of roses
My daughter, she picked every single one
She put them in a jar in the kitchen
Said the room needed a little sun
Upside down, inside out, only a child can figure it out...
My son, he jumped up on the sofa
Claimed he was a pirate on his ship at sea
He said 'dad, unless you can walk on water
I suggest you jump on-board with me'
Then he said 'dad, hey now, I got a lot of heroes
And I know why God made them with two hands
It's so one can hold a sword while the other holds a shield...'"
"State Of Mind" carries on the idea of looking at the world just a bit
differently than most:
"Why don't we have Sunday school on Tuesday?
why don't we sing Christmas songs in June?
Why do we keep looking at our watches
When all the world just watches the moon?
Why do some say time is running out?
While others say time is standing still
I think we're the only ones doing the running
As if running will make us all fulfilled
Well it's true, you can miss the forest for the trees
But the trees probably hear that all the time
Fact is, you can miss more than the forest
It all depends upon your state of mind..."
"Letting Go" is a sweet but powerful story of need and desire ultimately
triumphing over history and hesitation:
"They met for coffee every morning in the subway
Had a smoke before the 8:13 arrived
He was always just a bit hungover
She said it was a wonder he was still alive
He always said that life is learning to walk fences
She'd say it was more like walking through a maze
He'd reply that every turn had consequences
She'd say 'I know, I've tried at least 1,000 ways'
They use to laugh about the way they talked in circles
And wonder about the bridges they had burned
He said that freedom had always been his first love
She said freedom's in the lessons you have learned
He said 'I don't know why people call me reckless'
She said 'because you never look before you leap'
He said 'but jumping off a fence is not so dangerous
It depends on the company you keep'
She said 'is that your way of saying that you trust me
Or that you're tired of living all alone?'
Who is there to hold you when you get lost?
Who is there to welcome you back home?
His silence was thicker than the coffee,
Then he whispered 'you're the only one who cares'
She smiled and said 'is that an invitation?'
'Cause somehow it feels more like a dare
He said, 'no, I'm pretty sure that was a question'
I know I've made mistakes along the way
But you made me believe in second chances
So I'm taking my biggest chance today
Her silence lasted longer than the summer
as she stared past him into the morning crowd
He said don't worry about giving me an answer
but she cut him off and wondered right out loud
She said everyone I know thinks I am cautious
He said everyone you know is probably right
She said but you made me believe in taking chances
I never thought I could but I just might
He said we'll never have to stop this conversation
If we hurry we could take the 9:05
She said I guess my maps won't do me any good now
This must be what it's like to feel alive"
bailey also covers the sentiments and feelings of falling in and being in
love in "Angola By The Bay," "And You" and "When We're In Love." "One More
Day" admonishes not to take life and time for granted--it's not a given so
cherish this wondrous gift.
This release offers backing with bass, violin, saxophone, violin and drums
and percussion but what is in the forefront here is bailey on vocals and
guitar. bailey's battle with brain cancer (it's currently in remission)
certainly provided the grist from which he milled many of the cuts but
these songs stand on their own, regardless of the source or motivation.
Take a listen and take a look at your life.
Track List:
* When We're In Love (3:49)
* It Shines (5:20)
* One More Day (2:46)
* Angola By The Bay (4:40)
* As They Do (4:00)
* Basement Memories (4:41)
* Simple Things (2:53)
* Feels Like Home (4:16)
* When It Rains It Pours (4:08)
* State Of Mind (4:07)
* One Day In Gettysburg (5:46)
* And You (2:14)
* Letting Go (6:33)
* So It Goes (3:11)
All songs by david m. bailey.
Please read the "Disclaimer" on my web site for information about using,
quoting, or reprinting this CD review.
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At my web site you can also read other reviews for:
The House Band, Cry Cry Cry, Slaid Cleaves, Jez Lowe, Lui Collins,
Richard Berman, Kate Wolf, Cheryl Wheeler, Richard Shindell,
Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer, Chuck Brodsky, Utah Phillips,
Andrew Calhoun, Mustard's Retreat, Al Grierson, Ralph McTell,
The Battlefield Band, Mary Black, Dick Gaughan and Jack Hardy.
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Kevin McCarthy
mailto:celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com
Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews
http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/index.html