Flyinshoes review
Nashville singer-songwriter, guitarist Rich Mahan comes through with the intriguingly entitled Blame It On Bobby Bare for his solo debut where he is joined by a set of established musicians. Produced by Brain Harrison (Shelby Lynne) pedal steel ace, Robby Turner (Waylon Jennings etc), Bryan Owings (drums), P.T Gazell (harmonica) and bassist David Phenecie among others support Mahan.
Inspired by his father’s love of Bobby Bare’s 1970s recording output Mahan goes down a similar road to Bare and it works. This was when Bare was recording countless songs from Shel Silverstein and Bob McDill. ‘Put A Little Lovin’ On Me’ by the latter gains inclusion alongside Mahan’s own efforts. But it is the work of Silverstein loaded in entertaining humour that gains the greater foothold in Mahan's songwriting style. As he reels off ‘Mama Found My Bong’, rock’n’roll track ‘Math’ and ‘Tequila Y Mota’ (that contains of echoes of Bare’s hit ‘Tequila Sheila’), and then with full-blown electric guitar opening plus Hammond C3 (Bill Burke) complete with an honest to goodness party feel ‘The Hills Of South Dakota’.
Mahan’s ability to utilise humour in his work and at the same time create a set of finely penned songs earns him numerous repeat listens. As ‘Favourite Shirt’ and then with some striking playing piano and lead guitar ‘Money In The Bank’ coupled with sporty ‘Rehab’s For Quitters’ set the standard. The latter is highlighted by good harmony vocal and effective harmonica from Gazell plus a sing-a-long chorus that adds to the general feel good quality of the record. There are more noteworthy cuts too as JD Simo works up a head of steam on lead guitar on ‘I'll Get Off The Booze’; as a result it pops and fizzes like crazy.
Performed in the style not too far away from West Coast country of the late 1970s the title may be novel, but the music and songs are well past like or leave It fare. For Rich Mahan does have what it takes.
Maurice Hope
