The Angel's Share
Bill Mize
Bill Mize is a rare artist who, having won the premiere fingerstyle guitar competition in Winfield, Kansas, has been able to leave behind notions of competition and just get on with making beautiful music. Among the "sound and fury" of much fingerstyle guitar (unfortunately often "meaning nothing") this gentle, wonderful album stands out like a pure gem. No histrionics, just great playing of great music.
The CD begins with a quietly stylish version of Ray Charles' classic What'd I Say. Rather than try to out-rock Ray Charles' own version, Bill Mize presents an almost understated version that sounds mellow at first, but don't be fooled! This track swings hard for all its easy-going appearance, and the blues chops are delightful. A great opening track.
The inside of the CD cover explains the meaning of the title The Angel's Share - "the portion of spirits that evaporate during the aging process." Of course, the title can be taken other ways, and the angelic sound of this gorgeous track suggests a more heavenly interpretation. This is certainly one of the loveliest songs you will hear on this side of the sky.
Dogs in the Hole is a moody piece that combines modal, jazz, and blues elements into an exciting piece that carries you along relentlessly through some very interesting musical country. There is some great picking on this one, but always in service to yet another very fine song.
The melody of Might Could emerges slowly from an entrancing texture of harmonics and lightly muffled notes. The charming melody is soon taking us through a lot of unexpected musical terrain before softly depositing us back on the ground.
Might Should is the much funkier cousin to Might Could. Things really heat up on this one, aided by some judicious Hammond B-3 from Pete Wasner and a touch of percussion. Just a great funk-blues tune that is terrific fun and a standout track.
Puppy Love sounds like a 50's-era ballad over the standard doo-wop chord progression, but with enough surprises to keep you listening carefully. Bill shares melodic chores with Beth Bramhall on accordion and both do a great job. The rhythm builds and they develop a real head of steam that powers this one right to its definitive conclusion.
Merciful Heavens is a surprisingly up-tempo number with a graceful melody that floats slowly above the swirling current of the accompaniment. This one holds your attention so closely that you are liable to miss the wonderful picking that keeps it moving with such purpose. It takes great technique to keep such a complex accompaniment in the background, and a real artist not to feel he has to point it out.
Don't Wake the Dogs begins with another wonderfully atmospheric setting that Bill Mize seems to come up with effortlessly. This is the most unique track on the CD and a testament to the versatility of Bill Mize's songwriting. All of the techniques from the previous songs are wound into an unforgettable mix with Bill juggling at least three strands of melody at all times, with more at the outskirts trying to break in. You have to hear this one to understand what I am trying to say but it is a brilliant track by a unique and very talented songwriter who is also a master performer.
Next we have a wistful version of Charlie Rich's Feel Like Going Home, once again utilizing Pete Wasner's talent on the B-3. The melancholy loneliness of the song pervades this fine arrangement.
Le Vent et le Lune finishes the album on a happier note with more fine finger work. The title has a typo for "la Lune" but that is the only 'criticism' I have for this wonderful CD. The song is another beautiful melody that Bill Mize plays with some of the finest tone you will hear from a guitar.
This is a wonderful CD that I love more every time I listen to it. It is a perfect holiday CD for relaxing around the fire with loved ones, or just listening to in the car to forget a hectic day. Bill Mize is a wonderful songwriter and one of the best guitarists around. Listening to this album, it's easy to believe that the angels are playing guitars, not harps, and they are playing Bill Mize's music!
You can buy this great CD at Bill's own site: billmize.com