>>PREVIEW
JIM BRYSON
Monday, May 7
Ironwood
Jim Bryson has been defined by the people he’s worked with for most of his career. In the ’90s he admits his role in pop-punk outfit Punchbugy was only slightly more than that of a gun for hire. These days, because of his work as sideman and contributing songwriter for critical darling Kathleen Edwards, most radio audiences have probably heard Bryson without knowing it.
Even in his solo work, where he ably blends folk and pop tendencies, Bryson has often felt reliant on those he’s recorded with – most notably producer and multi-instrumentalist Ian LaFeuvre. Not that the results aren’t stunning. His last album, The North Side Benches, was a genius bit of lush acoustic pop fleshed out with the help of such luminaries as Jim Cuddy. But when it came time to record his third solo album, Where the Bungalows Roam, Bryson decided he wanted to become more independent.
"It’s the first time I’ve recorded without a lead guitar player so there are very few guitar solos, which may disappoint some people because Ian was a very big part of my first two albums and he doesn’t play on this record," says Bryson. "I play most of the guitar, unfortunately.
"My thing is, I wanted to make a record where the guitar was a part of a song, not the focus of the song. I wanted to play more piano. I wanted to play more organ. I wanted to do all this stuff I get to do when I play with other people, but I never get to do when I do my own shows."
Not surprisingly, the album is a tender collection of everything Bryson does best. There is an increased intimacy on Where the Bungalows Roam, which is saying something given Bryson’s already confessional tendencies. His gravelly croon is hushed even further as he whispers each song like a delicate secret. Everything about this record, from the subtle electronics to the superb string accents is pulled way back. The payoff is beautiful.
"I think the songs are a little looser – a little more jangly," says Bryson. "There’s more up-tempo stuff – faster, but softer at the same time. I think there is more space in it."
Bryson may have taken control on Where the Bungalows Roam, but there was one person who did have some influence on the album – his partner. "I’m in a really good relationship, so I didn’t feel like writing all these broken-hearted bummer songs and have to explain them to my partner," says Bryson. "Instead of having to answer all those questions, I just avoided them by not writing about it."
Bryson admits there are fewer songs about relationships on the album, but the material is no less emotional. His lyrics are eloquent and evocative and even though he can tug at the heartstrings, many of the songs come through with an easygoing smile.
"I feel I have to write about what is realistic to me and around me," he says. "The first one was pretty dreary and the second one showed glimpses. I didn’t intentionally not do it, but there’s just less tales of broken heartedness and love loss this time around."
Listening to Where the Bungalows Roam, Bryson sounds like a man who has found his voice, both lyrically and musically. His gentle hooks are undeniable and his instincts are nearly flawless. Others seem to agree. The album has earned several glowing reviews. Bryson, however, had another reason for stepping up the way he did. "I like the empowerment of it, and the older I get the less I want to share." |
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