Already Somebody by Bruce Michael Miller

BRUCE MICHAEL MILLER - "Already Somebody"

A review by Harriet Schock

John Densmore of The Doors said of Bruce Michael Miller's debut CD, "A great song is the wedding between the melody and the lyric. Bruce Michael Miller's 'Already Somebody' is a perfect marriage."

I started with a quote from Densmore, because the story of Bruce Michael Miller is a name-dropping kind of story. Let's start with the guitars on the album: Bruce's rhythm guitarist, George Marinelli, Jr., plays for Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, Bruce Hornsby and others. Bruce Michael Miller (lead guitar and vocals) has performed with Laura Brannigan, Kenny Loggins and Paul McCartney. The songs were co-written with name writers. The list of songs speaks for itself: (See list at end of review)

But in my opinion the merit of this CD is in the name that's on the cover of it: Bruce Michael Miller. He wrote or co-wrote all the songs, he put the band together, produced the CD, sang and played guitar. He's the bottom line of it. And it shows him to be the bright talent he truly is.

When I first listen to a record, I usually listen for melody. The second time, I listen for lyrics. Then I listen for enjoyment. If the melody and lyrics aren't there, I never get to the enjoyment. This CD is truly enjoyable, whether you're listening to it carefully or have it in the background. It has that wonderful feel of Eagles meet Dan Fogelberg. It isn't whining or self-conscious or pretentious. It is wise and full of heart, like the artist, himself.

Bruce Michael Miller lives the life of an artist who takes responsibility for his life and art. His wife, Patricia Alice Albrecht, is an excellent poet and a writer with lots of published work. His son, Forest, is on the cover of "Already Somebody," suggesting that if Bruce does nothing else but be the father of this exceptional child, he's already somebody. But from the way this CD is affecting people and the reception it's getting, I suspect Bruce Michael Miller will broaden the interpretation of the title cut beyond that of fatherhood.

There are stories here you may not have heard before:

"This time she'll take the time to dance

This time her dreams will get another chance

Look at her dancing like she's young and free

Lovin' every minute...makin' up for lost dreams."

Or...

Some hearts stay safe behind walls

Keepin' out love and all its pitfalls

Some hearts get hardened like steel

Until they can't feel

My heart's been battered and cracked

It's taken some bruises but keeps comin' back

Right at those places it's mostly worn thin

That's where your love comes in

"That's Where Your Love Comes In" has been selected to be included on the Compilation CD for GINA For Missing Persons. The melody of this song, in particular, as well as "My Heart Waits for You" is simply superb. The years Bruce played guitar touring the world with other artists really shows in his guitar work, as well as in his writing. He has a keen sense of melody, a sense vastly underrated by most songwriters, in my opinion. This is what allows me to play a CD over and over. The lyrics could be profound...pure poetry...but if the melody isn't like scratching where I itch, I can't listen to it. Of course, I know people who love to hear one repetitive riff over and over and that's music to them. Melody is not something they require. To me, this is simply Chinese water torture. So it's all very subjective. But if you're like me and melody matters to you, I think you'll really like this CD. The icing on this particular cake is that he can sing and deliver the songs. On "Cards And Letters," he shows off what an excellent singer he is. Not just another songwriter trying to croak out an album of originals. This CD reminds me of the KZLA slogan..."real songs with singers who can sing." And yet Bruce sounds like an individual, not a clone of a hundred other singers. That's refreshing.

Granted I did co-write the title cut with him. And he was a songwriting student of mine years ago. But the reason I'm writing this review is that I want people who know my taste and share it to go buy this album, or order it online at www.brucemichaelmiller.com . Then I want to hear from you. Let me know how you love it. I bet you will.

1.ALREADY SOMEBODY - co-written with Harriet Schock ("Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady")

2. GRIT & GRACE - Co-written with Teresa (has an album out co-produced by Linda Ronstadt)

3. SHE'S FREE - co-written with Rand Bishop ("The List" Toby Keith's next single.)

4. MAKING UP FOR LOST DREAMS Co-written with Angela Kaset - ("Something In Red")

5. SUMMER OF LOVE - Co-written with Pebe Sebert (Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle" #1 for Dolly Parton, also recorded by Marle Haggard and the Staple Singers)

6. THAT'S WHERE YOUR LOVE COMES IN - Co-written with Rand Bishop

7. THE SAILOR AND THE OKLAHOMA GIRL- Co-written with Ken Forsythe

8. MY HEART WAITS FOR YOU - (written alone)

9. CARDS AND LETTERS- Co-written with Lynn Langham, Magnolia Time)

10. SOMETHING WILD - Co-written with RANDY SHARP. ("Yet" #1 for EXILE)

11. NEW KID ON THE BLOCK - Co-written with Tom Douglas, "Little Rock"#1 for Colin Raye)

Harriet Schock is a multi-platinum songwriter/recording artist whose songs have been recorded my numerous artists, nominated for a Grammy and used in films. Her fourth and fifth cds, American Romance and Rosebud, have recently been nationally released, as well as her book, BECOMING REMARKABLE, published by Blue Dolphin. As well as performing worldwide, she speaks, teaches and consults in person and via the internet. For further information about her book, cds, concerts or consultation, go to http://harrietschock.com/ or call (323) 934-5691.

"String wizard Bruce Michael Miller's debut CD, "Already Somebody" is an apt title for the former lead guitarist for Laura Branigan.

"Miller wrote or co-wrote all of the songs, and his lyrics hover over the precipice of heartache like a high wire act that sees the abyss, but never falls in.

"Miller's velvety voice has a kind of Dan Folgelberg/David Gates quality that pulls you in with quiet, restrained intensity.

"Bruce Michael Miller makes a potent emotional connection on his new CD, "Already Somebody" and keeps that connection open 'til the final note fades away.

-Michael Settle (singer/songwriter, The First Edition)

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