BUZZ Magazine, July 2016

American Song Box - What Is and Never Was
CD Review by Phil Traynor
The recording, mixing and mastering took place at the
very well-equipped Springs Theater Arts and Recording
in northern Tampa. Engineer John Zumwalt Stephan
(noted in the Tampa Bay area for his many recordings of
the Florida Orchestra and the Master Chorale of Tampa
Bay and many regional and national acts) gave the band
a very warm and accessible sound. I personally found the
drums to be a bit up front in the mix, and I might have
liked a little more clarity and separation between the
piano and guitar to give them more of their own spaces
in the mix; but the overall sound is very clean and organic,
with just enough polish for a smooth, professional
sheen.
The moment the new CD from Tampa Bay based
American Song Box starts, you’re transported to a
comfortable and familiar place. The opening
strains of “Play With Love” are jaunty and easygoing; it
feels very much like a Randy Newman tune both vocally
and instrumentally. This folksy rural character continues
throughout the 10-song disc, with a consistently blended
sound and with earnest, emotional songwriting demonstrated
on every piece.
The band’s acoustic full-band folk/Americana sound is a
well-rehearsed one that shows their length of service
together. Founded in 2011 by Scranton PA native Todd
Murphy and RJ Kerker, who met at open mics in Tampa,
the sound is fleshed out by the percussion of Chris Evans
who rounds out the core trio; and the CD is aided by
Clifton Roesch on bass, Angelique Van Dorpe on violin,
and a purported “Eloquent Barbarian” on harmonica.
Murphy’s guitar and Kerker’s piano lay a smooth and
well-arranged chordal bed, and the rest of the supporting
cast add tasteful touches throughout. The solo work
from the harmonica, violin, and piano are all melodic,
passionate, and musical. Murphy’s gravelly baritone is
full of interest, warmth, and character; emphasizing
emotion and expression.
Standout pieces for me include the aforementioned
“Play With Love”, the haunting “The Art of Self Undoing”,
the gently entreating “One Hand on the Plow” and
“What Is and Never Was” (all penned by Murphy); as
well as the aching final cut “Forever Isn’t Enough Time”,
Kerker’s lone compositional contribution. That said,
there are no real holes from a songwriting perspective,
and the album has a solid, logical, and pleasing flow. I
suspect that American Song Box is even better experienced
live; as this type of music is usually keener in the
heat of the moment - I imagine Murphy to be a powerful
performer in front of an audience, feeding off the emotion
of the crowd.
American Song Box has played most recently at prominent
gigs like this year’s Orange Blossom Jamboree,
Heatwave, and at the 2016 WMNF Americana Fest. They
have an engagement this July 10 th at the Taste of Plant
City, and a variety of performances through the Bay area
this year, where you can obtain your own copy of What
Is and Never Was.
https://www.reverbnation.com/amersongbox
https://www.facebook.com/americansongbox/
8 / BAYBUZZ.ORG / JULY 2016