Customer Reviews

The Meantime

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Randall Bramblett's "The Meantime" on his Blue Ceiling label is a slower softer set than people who have followed his career might expect. Some of my favorites of his songs like "End of the String" or "Sun Runs" are loud and electric. They seem distant from this piano-based music on this set. The trade off is that we get to hear Bramblett's expressive vocals with just a hint of rasp that gives his voice such character. "Disconnected" opens the set with a lament of a broken relationship, "I miss you when the wind is blowing; Miss you when the fog is rolling in; Miss you when the clouds are turning grey." "End of the Line" has a blues feel like last call at the honky-tonk, "These bitter tears make sweet sweet wine, and I'm drinking my fill at the end of the line." "Blue Blue World" is another sad song "full of longing and regret." "Driving to Montgomery" boasts a lovely melody, powerful with its gospel touches and celebration of progress toward racial equality, "From the waiting rooms to the crowded trains, you can hear the bells of freedom ring; and we are driving to Montgomery where the times have changed." "Where You Come From" is another beautiful tune with Bramblett's vocals searing in their intensity, "Close your eyes & breathe a sigh, all your fears are only lies, there is only love where you come from." The set concludes with the gorgeous "One More Rose" with Randall's vocals reaching up into his higher register and the brushes keeping a stately feel to the beat. On this set, Bramblett is wearing his heart on his sleeve. His vocals are all the more powerful and chilling for his willingness to experience emotions fully. Enjoy!