Artist: Gatsby’s Green Light
Title: Coulson
Rating: 3.5 Stars (out of 5)
Buy It: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gatsbys-green-light/id475966075
Ken Coulson is without a doubt a talented songwriter
and multi-instrumentalist. Gatsby’s
Green Light is a side project of sorts, but it seems to avoid the ego trappings
that so often can come with the territory. According to Mr Coulson’s bio he is prolific
song writer utilizing the guitar, banjo, ukulele, and mandolin. Upon listening to the record there will be no
doubts created in those facts. Ken
Coulson’s bio as presented on his website (www.kencoulson.com)
represents a man searching both musically and in life. Gatsby’s Green Light portrays the results of
that search possibly finding some things and starting new paths of discovery at
the same time. Not unlike the artists
Coulson compares his sound to and cites as inspiration, Paul Simon, Dave
Matthews Band, Coldplay, Gatsby’s Green Light grabs elements of world, jam
band, rock, and other eclectic genres to create a melting pot sound.
The collection starts out with a mostly acoustic
number that certainly does not hide from the Dave Matthews comparisons. “Shy” with its percussive acoustic guitar and
the use of the flute following the melody is a friendly start. “The Way” follows the same path, but broadens
with the use of harmonicas and a more open Americana feel. The third song “Letters of My Youth” is funky
jam band track which is currently seeng some success at radio. This is certainly not surprising with its
catchy chorus and infectious grooves.
Coulson surprisingly shifts gears with “Baila Luna”. The song starts with a long acoustic
introduction which leads into a flamenco beat and lyrics all in Spanish. It is very memorable and for sure the stand
out track on the collection. The next
song, “America, I See You”, comes back to the center, but still surprises with
steel guitar and decidedly country inspired beat. “Portland Song” reflects Coulson’s world
music style more towards his Paul Simon and David Byrne leanings. The horns and tribal beats fit right into mix
of the entire record. “Climb” builds
from an orchestral introduction with simulated strings and dramatic
vocals. The lyrics are drenched with
yearning for a place, person, or point in time.
“Memorize” begins with acoustic guitar and saxophone harkening back to a
1970’s AM radio sound that is frankly marginalized by many in today’s hipper
circles. Coulson uses the genre either
accidently or purposely with great effect reminding the listener of a time when
song construction and studio musicianship was much more prized. “Forest to the Field” is the most Coldplay
like track on the collection with the orchestral keyboard song and soaring
vocals. The album closes much like it
started out with a simple ukulele driven introduction to the song
“Closer”. An overused prop and underused
instrument, Coulson employs the ukulele as an interesting element which
benefits the entire song avoiding the sometime inevitable cuteness of the
instrument.
Ken Coulson and Gatsby’s Green Light debut is eclectically
beautiful and overall very enjoyable. So
few artists are able to integrate world music, Latin, and other elements into
their compositions and avoid the pretention that often can accompany the
effort. Coulson seems completely comfortable
within the many genres and influences contained on the record. The production and atmosphere augments rather
than overwhelms each song. Ultimately
solo projects such as Gatsby’s Green Light can come off as pasted together and
less than coherent. This collection does
not reflect that trap at all. If
anything it is surprising that Gatsby’s Green Light is a solo project at all. There is a cohesiveness that is lacking in
many other records that project vanity more than anything else. Ken Coulson and his assembled band have created
a very complete and enjoyable collection of songs.
