“But I still need a T-shirt that says, ‘I’m here,’ yup, still here,” sings Willie Wisely in “National Council Of Jewish Women’s Thrift Store,” a song from the latest Willie Wisely Trio album called True.
Looking at the story of how True was recorded, this line is more than just a memorable lyric from a catchy tune.
The concept of True began in 2006 when Wisely had a group of songs that he said were “begging for the Trio to perform.”
“We are celebrating,” says Wisely of the album. “Celebrating a band, life, a renewal. We’re all here and available.”
The band was enthusiastic to record a new album and the process started in 2007. Then, in 2009, Wisely had a throat condition that continued to worsen.
“It affected everything, my family, my compulsion to sing, write, perform.”
It was diagnosed as a vocal cord hematoma. Happily, with surgery, and some vocal cord exercises, Wisely was able to sing again. The band continued with mixing the album, adding guests such as Andy Sullivan and DJ Bonebreak.
True is the first Willie Wisely Trio album after an 18 year hiatus.
A spirited album, True begins with a lively trombone leading listeners to the pop influenced “Kiss Her and Make it Right.”
A highlight of the album, the sprightly music of “Kiss Her and Make It Right” hides the stern mano y mano advice to salvage a relationship before it’s too late. The song’s title, a great hook, easily gets stuck in one’s head.
True merges pop-rock sounds with an eclectic mix of Dixieland Jazz, waltzes, and blues. Likewise, the lyrics range from light subjects to more sentimental, as in the album’s title song, “True.”
A song that seems like the anthem for Willie Wisely Trio and many other indie bands, “True” is reflective in both style and lyrics.
“It’s hard work singing for strangers all day, but I do.”
“Duration” appears to be another sentimental song. The music and lyrics dreamily waltz through a weave of young love.
“Bring me on lassie, take me along, we’ll find a canyon, make it our home.”
One of the most fun songs on True is the aforementioned “National Council Of Jewish Women’s Thrift Store.” Who doesn’t love to walk through thrift stores to see all of the crazy junk people used to own? Wille Wisely wrote a song about it. And yes, with lyrics like, “Jesus saves, just say no, and have a nice day,” it’s just as much fun as a trip to the thrift store.
Another remarkable song is “Low.” A syncopated rhythm, this tune is somewhat reminiscent of an early Beck sound. Horns, the upright bass, and Wisely’s ardent vocals make this a poweful song, begging for the chorus “I’m young and I just don’t care” to be sung aloud by listeners.
Judging from the crowds that attended Willie Wisely Trio reunion shows this past summer in the Twin Cities, True is definitely much anticipated by fans. It will be available this month directly to fans online at EVOCativePOP.
Willie Wisely is definitely a hard working and astute artist. While he is focusing his energies on projects like a Broadway show called Coffee: The Musical, he continues to enjoy performing. Willie Wisely Trio does have some upcoming 2012 dates, including an appearance on TPT’s MN Original later this spring. More on the Trio's appearance can also be found at EVOCativePOP.com.
Comments