Paper Hearts And Broken Arrows
Welding Rod, 2022
8/10
Listen to Paper Hearts And Broken Arrows
A former construction worker who put down his hammer and picked up a guitar, Rod Picott knows his way around a genuine and moving song, and here he brings us a dozen more on this 14th album.
Picott starts the listen with the warm and heartfelt, acoustic guitar fueled “Lover”, where his weathered voice possesses much rugged beauty, and “Mona Lisa” arrives soon after with poetic storytelling as his gentle voice emits a wise demeanor.
Elsewhere, “Sonny Liston” showcases Picott’s cozy guitar playing amid his raw voice, while “Washington County”, the best track present, strums a bit quicker alongside vivid wordplay about the workingman blues as Picott gets a bit more firm with his singing.
Arriving near the end, “Lost In The South” is particularly intimate with forthright lyrics and “Mark Of Your Father” continues the eloquence with a dreamy ambience amid the careful musicianship.
A very raw body of work that’s often minimal, Picott brings along Lex Price on bass and tenor guitars; Juan Solodzano on pedal steel slide and guitars; Evan Hutchings on drums; Neilson Hubbard on percussion, vocal harmonies and piano. Together, they make for a very literate, sometimes dark and memorable listening experience.
Travels well with: David Olney & Anana Kaye- Whispers And Sighs; Malcolm Holcombe- Tricks Of The Trade