If the assemblage of folks a musician is surrounded by resonates as emphatically as the songs they crafted the end result is paramount. Jesse Barish has reached that pinnacle when his pen finished the remaining words of “Count On Me”, “Hearts”, and “Atlanta Lady (Something About Your Love).” The odds of a tune reaching world-wide prominence are microscopic. When you repeat the process several times the algebraic possibilities are incalculable. Jesse didn’t stake a spot on the sun only to see the light dim over time. It has become more voluminous each decade. Marty Balin (Rock & Roll Hall of Famer) noted for his time with the Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and KBC considers Jesse to be one of the masters of songwriting. With a myriad of writers approaching Marty year after year it isn’t as if Mr. Balin doesn’t have the cream of the crop at his disposable. Marty’s home could be wallpapered with the plethora of songs he has recorded, performed, or even entertained his family with that have the name Barish attached to the credits. Jesse’s proficiency doesn’t fizzle when he records his own story. An enduring bunch of albums are available from his solo catalog. The number grows with the latest “Wheel Keep Turning." Jeff Pescetto works in conjunction with Jesse on the sixteen track effort. Pescetto handles the production, backing vocals, and most of the instruments. Jesse contributes lead-vocals, flute, harmonica, and some acoustic-guitar. It’s no secret the imperative nature for a recording to catch the listener’s ear within seconds or the CD is destined to be used as a cup holder for eternity. The opening track “Highway” secures its rightful place in the collection with lyrics that will have you analyzing them a time or two. The title track is next and further builds the foundation for the remaining journey. Latter the road takes us to “Cast A Stone.” Brilliant imagery as you are heading on a bus to nowhere (oblivion is around the corner) wondering where did it all go wrong. “Chasing Down A Dream” gives a reason to believe. Prosperity and the perfect relationship haven’t arrived but the highway hasn’t evaporated either. “Love Is” begins catapulting the senses to the magical musical past of 1973. For a moment you can clearly hear one of the finest acoustic songs to ever make the grooves on a vinyl record “Still… You Turn Me On”, from Emerson, Lake , & Palmer. Call it poetic justice for the CD to conclude with such a distinguished tune. Technically there is one final song to enjoy “Black” but it is a bonus and not privy to the theme and our excursion. When the term singer-songwriter first entered the rock and roll dictionary it was often complementary in nature. Leonard Cohen, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell and many of their contemporaries received the proper adulation for deeply personal thoughts and an opening of their souls. As the years became decades some think of a singer-songwriter as a one trick pony. Their assessment is completely misguided. I bring this to the surface so that it is understood Jesse Barish writes and sings songs but has never and will never fit into one category. The CD has traces of America , Leonard Cohen, John Mellencamp, Boz Scaggs, Seals & Crofts, Bruce Springsteen, and Steely Dan. Most of all it is Jesse Barish and he calls it “Wheel Keep Turning.” The wheels are beginning to spin, let’s board! All the best,
Craig Fenton
Author Craig Fenton's Take Me To A Circus Tent Have You Seen The Stars Tonite (Jefferson Starship Flight Manual 1974-78 & J.S. The Next Generation 1992-2007),
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