Freebo - Something To Believe

For 30 years, Freebo played bass on recordings and toured with some of the great artists of our time--people like Bonnie Raitt (10 years), John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, CSN, Maria Muldaur, Ringo Starr, Michelle Shocked, Neil Young, Loudon Wainwright III, Dr. John, and many others. He has also appeared on Saturday Night Live, Midnight Special, Muppets Tonight, and in concert with the legendary Spinal Tap.

Freebo became a solo artist following his long stint as a sideman. "It was his yearning for more creative expression, however, that drove Freebo to begin a process of deep inner discovery, and this has led to his successful transition as a singer/songwriter."

His latest album "Something to Believe," could easily be called his most accomplished and well planned album yet. His solo career has had it's stranger more whimsical moments, ahem, his concept album about "the human canine connection." That aside Freebo has always had an interesting depth of insight in his lyrics, and very polished folk rock performances.

This album, somewhat ties together his previous albums in style but with a deeper sense of emotion.

Standout track and opener "Standing Ovation" features deep and hopeful lyrics, and a sound akin to a TV montage on an emotional prime-time dramas.

At times his voice is reminiscent of Randy Newman, and this album does feature a dog song, "She Loves My Dog More Than Me," regardlessly i found it to be a warm album with well written songs.

There's no factory cheese to this, its all warm, organic music written with heart about things Americans generally think and feel, with a lefty slant. Judging from his blog posts on freebomusic.com and from his lyrics,

"I used to be a hero, the Strong, the Proud, the Few. When duty called, I stood up tall for the Red, White, and Blue. But no hero’s welcome waited. When my damaged soul returned. Uncle Sam don’t give a damn, That’s what I learned," (When There's No Place Like Home - Freebo)

But he obviously cares about America and that comes out in his songs.

I recommend any Americana, Folk and Rock fans who desire to add something new to there dusty collections, this album would be a fine addition.