Dean Mueller - Wishes Never Gone (2024)

While his voice isn’t distinctive (John Prine, John Hiatt, Johnny Cash) Dean has a captivating tone that succeeds in articulating his well-written songs. The tunes are fairly standard, but Dean has a way of making his tales strikingly original as he does on the lead-off “I Don’t Live There Anymore.”

While “Fireflies” isn’t anything special the wise inclusion of a clarinet pulls the song from so-so to breezy in a Kenny Rankin manner. It elevates the melody to an old-timey Arlo Guthrie type of narrative. It’s fun.
Produced by Grammy-winner Kevin McKendree (keys/bgv) & recorded in Franklin, TN there are 12 Wishes Never Gone (Drops Nov. 8/Ripping Glass Entertainment/36:50) on this sophomore showcase.

The first big winner is “Hold On & Don’t Let Go” sung with a different intonation & a touch of John Prine instinct. Solid storytelling, a friendly piano run & distinguished melody. Likeable. Mueller, however, reminds me more of the late Steve Goodman as a songwriter & vocalist. He has that Goodman bittersweet yet lavish banquet of sound.

A bit more folky is “Bulleit Train” which slides again into a Goodman cum Arlo Guthrie tradition which is good (“I’ll Be There”). Residing in Oregon since 1998 Mueller performs with strong acoustic guitar & “Bulleit Train” chugs along in a country-cool arrangement. So, despite the lack of a distinctive signature voice like those other artists mentioned Dean has an accent in his warm vocalizing soaked in lyrical sincerity. Something that can’t be taught. On “Change” this vocalizing becomes apparent.

Dean possesses an astute understanding of fine songwriting. He applies personality to his compositions & writes those types of songs. His voice isn’t entirely folk, country, or roots with these pieces. He mixes it up generously as a singer-songwriter should. He shows his easy listening side with “Believe.” Mueller will one day be confident enough to tackle an album of standards from the past. His voice has character without the showboating so many vocalists believe is needed for such numbers.

Changing lanes are “Teach No Lies,” & “No Matter What It Is,” two additional winners. “Teach” tackles social issues & where Dean is grittier, with a Steve Earle density in a Buddy Miller gradient. Nice stuff. These songs are sufficiently soulful & where I find Dean more interesting. His soulfulness also lifts these tunes through a blissful groove. The man has poignant songs & he does good work.