Motivational Speakeasy
Padiddle, 2020
8/10
Listen to Motivational Speakeasy
Though he might be best known as a contributor in the innovative progressive string band Hawktail, here it’s just Jordan Tice’s voice, imagination and Collings guitar on a solo effort that embraces rootsy, psychedelic and folk-friendly sounds.
“Tell Me Mama” starts the listen with Tice’s intricate guitar work alongside his soft, expressive vocals in a timeless folk influenced setting, and “Matter Of Time” follows with gorgeous finger picking that complements the playful climate that’s both mesmerizing and warm.
Near the middle, “Ghost Story” flows with gorgeous, instrumental Americana, while “Where I’m At” has Tice displaying his versatile pipes amid vivid storytelling that immediately draws us in. “Bad Little Idea”, a particularly exceptional tune, then flows a bit more forcefully as 6 string acrobatics complement the quick singing.
Closer to the end, “Ready To Go” is a wise delivery of classic folk that brings to mind names like Guthrie and Dylan, and “Goin’ On Down” exits the listen sublimely, as a dreamy execution hints at the blues with much sophistication.
Tice lives just outside of Nashville, and while there are certainly traces of country in his craft, his work runs more parallel to artists like John Fahey or Norman Blake. An extremely well done, stripped back affair, Tice possesses a wealth of talent as this first rate 5th album clearly illustrates.
Travels well with: Jake Allen- Affirmation Day; Glenn Jones- Ready For The Good Times