See The Big Man Cry
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
A collection of pop and rock covers from some diverse names, the always impressive Robert Rex Waller Jr. is algned with Carla Olson on production for 13 tracks that welcome some of L.A.’s best musicians.
The warm and sincere “The Sun Aint’t Gonna Shine Anymore” opens the listen with Kaitlin Wolfberg’s strings and Skip Edwards’ keys suiting the gentle vocal harmonies of the cozy folk climate, and “Girl Of My Dreams” follows with crisp drums from Benjamin Lecourt, where a fuller rock appeal is both rugged and melodic.
Later on, the intimate spirit of “Let Her Go Down” places John York on 12 string guitar to complement Waller’s eloquent singing, while “Tougher Than The Rest” benefits much from Paul Marshall’s skilled bass, as the Springsteen original unfolds with much beauty and grit.
Further still, “See The Big Man Cry” takes on soulful qualities via Gregg Sutton and Gia Ciambotti’s well timed backing vocals, and “Gypsy Rider” exits with Olson’s pretty guitar and the poetic singing from Waller that makes for a stirring brand of Americana.
Some of you might know Waller Jr. as the frontman for I See Hawks in L.A., and this sophomore solo album illustrates his diverse vocal range, where themes of love and loss are met with traces of hope by way of some very well thought interpretations.
Travels well with: Aaron Skiles- Whistle Past The Grave; Nick Justice- Stranger In My Town