CD Review: Bill Hammond – Speechless

By Ara Ajizian

With all the technology available for musicians and producers today, the chance for overkill—be it too many pedals in a guitarist’s rig or overcompression on the new CD from your favorite band—has greatly increased. While many consider the latest gadget a tool to help achieve a sonic goal, let’s face it—there are just as many who take things to the extreme and lose sight of the song they are trying to create. With this in mind, it’s refreshing to come across an album like Bill Hammond’s instrumental Speechless. Just a man and his acoustic guitars, with no fancy studio work, effects, or other distractions.

The 13 tracks on Speechless encompass Hammond’s own original tunes, covers, and traditionals. Although they come from different sources, the songs weave a gorgeous tapestry of acoustic music. Since there are no vocals here, in lieu of lyrics in the liner notes, Hammond gives a brief explanation of what each song is about, including his inspiration for writing or covering it. Hammond also details what guitar or guitars he used on each tune, and the tuning—an added bonus for fellow musicians.

Album Cover: Bill Hammond – Speechless

Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Kevin Lee at Broadview Media in Edina, Minnesota, Speechless sounds as if you’re attending an intimate performance by Hammond. There’s a natural, crisp feel to the recordings that captures the organic sounds of both the instrument and Hammond’s technique. Whether it’s the intense fingerpicking on "Mark’s Motorbike" or the subtle harmonics that arise in "Last Call," the recording really captures the essence of the performance and the music.

The album's songs range in style although they are all performed on acoustic guitar. Songs like "Fall Creek" and "If I Give You" deliver elegant folk, while the aforementioned "Mark's Motorbike" could be realized into a full-band rock tune—something Hammond himself may have considered given his explanation of the song's title in the liner notes ("I keep imagining British guitar ace Mark Knopfler playing a hot lead over this tune … "). "Poor Little Jesus," an American spiritual, has a melancholic drone, while the shuffle of "Last Call" presents the listener with an upbeat 12-bar blues. "Song For Christine" is an acoustic journey through the emotions of losing someone dear. Penned for a friend who died, the song comes across as emotionally truthful and wrenching.

Back in another life, I used to have to get up early on Sunday mornings to begin my work day, and despite my penchant for hard, fast rock music, I always preferred something a little softer to start those days. Albums like Nirvana’s Unplugged in New York and Beck’s Sea Change fit the vibe perfectly, and it wasn’t long before I had a nice collection of what I call "Sunday Morning CDs." Bill Hammond’s Speechless is now among them. It is an outstanding assembly of songs that feature superb playing, feel, and emotion, recorded perfectly to catch every nuance.

Check out Bill Hammond on the web at http://www.billhammondmusic.com and http://www.cdbaby.com/bhammond.

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