Customer Reviews

Phoenix

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"Phoenix" is the inaugural CD from one of Texas' all-time great singer/songwriters, Vince Bell. The CD release was only 12 years or so overdue, since the first attempt at laying tracks for it was begun at Christmastime in 1982, with Stevie Ray Vaughn as one of the session musicians. Bell left the recording studio for home but his car was slammed broadside at 65 mph by another car with a drinking driver. Suffering a serious closed head injury, mangled right (playing) arm, multiple liver lacerations and severed vocal cord, Bell's obituary was posted in the next day's local newspaper. Obviously he pulled through; Vince's autobiography, "One Man's Music" is the story of his long journey back and a self-rehabilitation program that will make the toughtest and most disciplined reader cringe. Although by far and away not the end of Bell's wonderful story, "Phoenix" is the first CD he recorded and released after the '82 accident and the culminating point of "One Man's Music." (It's also HARD TO GET, so better get yours while they're hot!) Vince Bell was a progeny of the late Townes Van Zandt but is also a songwriter and poet whose work and gift stands side-by-side that of his mentor. Thematically, wholistically, individually, technically, lyrically and spiritually, this is one gratifying and fine piece of music on its own. Taken in context of the performer's life, it becomes transcendent. Victoria Williams lends her dulcet tones in ethereal support and Lyle Lovett also checks in with some sparse backup. Bell's own voice is warm and pleasant, gravelly and whiskey-soaked and edgy when it needs to be. Delivery is with an off-beat syncopation and just plain different sound. There isn't a single cut on this CD that I don't like. Bell is the real article: a legend in his own time. If you don't know him yet, you're burning daylight.

When this album came out I played it endlessly. I've been listening to it again recently after hearing Lyle Lovett cover Sun Moon & Stars in concert, and am reminded of how good it is. The strength of the album is Vince Bell's songs. Not only is each a gem in itself, each is quite distinct from its brethren. No cookie cutter songwriting here. The arrangements are acoustic and are carefully and professionally executed. A classic.