Charlie King - Words and Music (2006)

The album is called "words and music." That said, the sign on the front cover says it all: "Variety". That's what I love in music, and that's what this album tries to deliver. Some up-tempo; some slow. Some silly; some thought-provoking. Some densely produced; some not. Some groovers, rockers, reggae, ballads, and blues. Remember in the old days when you got a new record and how exciting it was that the songs didn't all sound alike? I think some of that vibe is captured here. At least, I hope so. (Pretty funny, too, that we then found that decrepit old building (recently torn down for redevelopment) -with that wonderful sign- for the photo.) Recording and songwriting have always been hand-in-hand passions of mine. It started with an old Sony two-channel reel-to-reel tape deck that some unscrupulous sales guy up-sold my dad into back in about '67, and it has never stopped. Sound on sound recording? Nothing I'd rather do. More importantly, songs (aka "words and music") are so cool when they come together just right. Sure, I love to play, but I'm equally about creating the parts and making them fit together just right. That's producing, and I love it. Anyway, I think this collection has finally come together. This project wasn't even a project when it started. Just songs that I was recording for myself in my basement in the wee hours. As time went on, and with encouragement from a local studio owner who has become a great friend and collaborator, it morphed into an album that had to be made. Track upon track; listen after listen; rework after rework. Time would stand still until it was done. Now it's done, and I have heard some wonderful congratulations from all sorts of friends, and even some new acquaintances via the web. Let's see where it goes. In the meantime, please enjoy. "Words and music." That sums it up pretty well.