Singer-songwriter, actor and playwright, Bill Feehely after success in the latter categories he has now returned to the record studio to have another stab as a recording musician. For which we should all be personally, grateful.
His music combines rock, pop and country. With shades of John Hiatt in “Thousand Stories” and “Tell Me Something”; both dead-ringers for Hiatt, the former especially as he ticks all the boxes. On a few tracks he goes blue collar and rocks too, and with fine support from Steve Mackey (bass), Wayne Killius (drums), Pat McGrath (acoustic, electric guitar), Greg Bieck (piano, organ, accordion) and Dan Dugmore (acoustic, electric, steel guitar, mandolin) Feehely is set to gain attention from a wide audience.
While in central tracks of consecutive tracks “Bottom Town” (Springsteen-esque) and “Imagine That” some of his best work lie, as he not only demands the listener’s attention with his lyrics, but sees some of the album’s best vocals. But after a few spins I feel there are others even better. Only they took a little longer to establish themselves in my mind! As for “Imagine That” it has the former New Jersey and New York City musician, where he had his band The Ranchers and played throughout the NY metro area well and truly nail his heart to the mast. Feehely as a playwright also wrote the book for the musical, American Duet with Grammy Winner Marcus Hummon, and featuring Darius Rucker, and directed 75 plays I hasten to add.
During the second half of the album, he becomes a real force, as the musicians and Feehely are completely on the same wavelength. Plus the material is also that bit stronger, he wrote all but two songs (“House Of Cards” and “Imagine That”) on his own, and his wife, musician, producer Celeste Krenz. The greater strength can be heard in gritty, impassion affairs “House of Cards”, “Whatdya Say” and “Wild Horse”. On which the listener is propelled along with Feehely at a chugging pace, and his vocals awash in flavours akin to Hiatt put on a tough exterior. Nice work, Mr Feehely (and musicians in tow) because you have come through with a must hear record.
Maurice Hope