Live at Esoterica, 6/25/05 by Blue Knight with James Gilchrist

He's also an excellent musician, but let's start with how he markets his band, Blue Knight. Every time another CD store picks up his albums for sale, everyone on his email list gets an update, and links to Amazon.com, CD Baby, or what have you. Even though I have all the albums, I always click on the links to see my friend's name and check out the reviews (which are always great). I then feel guilty because I should write a review. I'm a fan...not an impartial fan, but I do know music, and I know what I like, right? So anyway, out of the blue, instead of an email update, James went and sent me a first edition of his newest album, Live at Esoterica. In his words this particular edition is, "pre-cross fades and with a liner whose lyrics got scrunched" (for which he apologized...). We've listened to it maybe 50 or so times, and it occurred to me to sit down and finally write a review. Like I've said before, if it's on my Reviews page, I either love it or hate it, so obviously this is going to be a serious love and snuggle-fest.

Celebrating You

James, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't this song about someone's birthday, maybe 10 years ago? I think the lyric, it's your new day, used to be it's your birthday. No? Maybe I'm thinking of something else. Anyway, it's a very up-tempo song, perfect for driving. I especially love Kyle's guitar solo which used to not be there. This song makes me very happy.

Find a Way to Forgive

A great third-person, story-telling song revealing a first-person ending. I think it's a great musical device which I have used in my own song-writing. Very uplifting and positive. The opening chords remind me of the Indigo Girls' song "Joking," and since James is as big a fan as I am, I'm guessing it was at least partially intentional... Kyle plays the lap steel guitar, which has such a great sound. Eric really gets cooking on the bass.

House of My Heart

Oooh, minor key! I could write a book! This is one of their "newer" songs (meaning less than 10 years old). This is a pretty darned good version, but it's one of their songs that I'd love to hear fully produced. The harmonies are tight, tight, tight and I don't think the recording gives Bethany and Debbi the respect they deserve on this one. Don't change a thing; just get thee to a studio!

Think of Me

Yay! Celeste's bowed psaltery (and conveniently Celeste too) makes an appearance. This is one of their songs that I've been enjoying for years and years. The psaltery adds a delicate, ethereal quality. The lyrics to me represent a snapshot of my (and I'm sure lots of other people's) friendship with James. "It's sometimes hard to find someone who seems to care at all much less be there for you when you take a fall - If you're ever craving comfort or feel sad and alone, think of me."

Please Kill Me (If I Get That Way)

Great lead guitar showcase! James doesn't write too many what I'd consider pessimistic, Everyman, "Life's a Bitch" songs. There's "Love, Cats, & Lunch" and the classic "Fish Tank Song," and this one. Still it's a fun song, because it's so un-Blue Knight. Amusing to listen to when drinking beer in a bar (whoo whoo!).

Fishing Town (On the North Coast of Clare)

This song is among my top five favorites (of all songs), but then I'm a sucker for pop/rock songs in 3/4 or 6/8 time. More great storytelling, reminiscent of an old sea chantey, while modern at the same time. Lovely background vocals. When they play this live (and I'm in the audience), Bethany and I smile at each other for nearly the whole song, as she knows how much I love it. I'm smiling now. Hi Bethany!

A Maid in Ninian's Day

I feel fortunate that I was one of the first people that James had sent these lyrics to, during his lengthy search for the proper melody. The end result is perfect. It reminds me a little of Simon and Garfunkel's "Scarborough Faire," with a touch more World (Celtic and Latin) flavor.

You Should Know

Another song from the "old days" that I'm so happy to hear still gets played. Since I first heard it, I believed that James wrote it for me. I still do. Note to James, please don't burst my bubble if it isn't so! I love that instead of the usual Cmag and Gmag chords, he uses what I consider to be another Indigo Girls flourish by adding the forth and pinkie fingers (I know there's a name for it, but I just know the sound, not the actual chord). It just makes the guitar ring like a bell. I love the little "back and forth" banter with lead/background vocals, the truly delightful guitar solo, and slight key change toward the end. I'm ready to put on my copy of "Closer to Fine" now...

La Belle Dame

Last year a reviewer commented that this song had a slightly Latin, kind of "Ricky Martin" (before he fell off the face of the earth) flavor. I agree, and it's a darned sexy song too! James sounds great, Debbi sounds great, Kyle's little "Santana" flourishes and solo are fabulous, as is Celeste's bowed psaltery, again, lending a ghostlike quality. If Antonio Banderas does another Desperado/Once Upon a Time in Mexico movie, he might consider this one for the soundtrack, as he and Selma Hayak go shooting through the streets.

Always

It has an intro! Where did that come from?? I love it! The first time I heard this on the New Beginnings album, I thought it sounded perfect. Then I heard a live version, and the addition of the backing vocals and psaltery gave me shivers. Now, with Andrew's percussive subtext (subtle but pulse-quickening, especially when combined with Kyle's guitar work), the song builds and builds to a crescendo before winding its way back down to a whisper. I love a song that goes full circle...symmetry is good. Songs about ghosts are good. Songs about symmetrical ghosts are even better.

Buy this album. Not just to help support the Independent Music Industry, not to mention one singer/songwriter and band, but because the songs are really wonderful. I've been extolling James' talent since the late 80's, but the addition of his band Blue Knight adds so much to the music. Esoterica is a New Age Bookstore in Leesburg, Virginia, and this album is a live concert recorded earlier this year. When they "tour" they rarely have a sound person to fiddle with the mix while they're performing. The best they get is me, or another fan in the audience who will yell, "I can't hear you" or make elaborate hand gestures to get some audio-related message across. Therefore sometimes the background vocals overpower the lead, or the guitar, or any other combination. I marvel that the sound quality and balance is as good as it is. At any rate, this album gives you a good impression of a live Blue Knight show (minus the hand gestures). Enjoy...

Patty McKay, www.webhawks.net, August 2005

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