Stephen Simmons: Hearsay

Updated:

August 9, 2013 5:00 pm

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Stephen Simmons
Hearsay
(Locke Creek)
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Americana artist Stephen Simmons has recorded extensively – around 10 albums or so – and has played all over the world for years. But he’s still pretty far under the radar, further than maybe he should be for someone with such a long history. While his fan base will no doubt enjoy his new album Hearsay, the record probably won’t change things much.

Filled with slice-of-life vignettes, some the obvious product of his travels as the wandering troubadour, Hearsay contains 11 tracks about such subjects as life in a small tourist town (“Horse Cave, Kentucky”), a trip to one of those Interstate strip clubs (“The Boobie Bungalow Gentlemen’s Club”), and, of course, meeting women (“I’ll Be Your Johnny Cash”). Simmons writes in fairly open terms, laying his heart out there for all to see on songs like “I Ain’t Lonely (I’m Just Lonesome)” and “Emily’s Eyes.” And while he doesn’t break any new ground, he does know how to open a song, with great lines like “Honey, I know you wanted me to be a jerk/I know you wanted me to be an ass on ‘Stardust.’”

Pedal steel player (and the album’s mastering engineer) Alex McCollough plays an important role on the album, helping give it the flavor of old Bakersfield in some spots, and of Neil Young’s Harvest on others. Conversely, some of the keyboard parts by the wonderful Jen Gunderman add too much prettiness to tracks that would be more appealing if they retained some rawness. Since he’s managed to make enough of a living to record numerous albums with great players and perform all over the world, Simmons must be doing something right. But on this album, while the material and performances are fine, the vibe is, well, not real exciting. Simmons produced the album himself, and might do well to enlist the input of an outside producer next time, someone who can encourage him to add a little more energy and balls.