Byrd And Street:
Stories Of Life, Songs Of Love
Credits:
Tommy Byrd...Guitar (Acoustic and Electric), Vocals
Darcie Deaville...Fiddle (Track 10)
Kathy Street...Vocals
Don Raby...Fiddle
Rick Richards...Drums
Chip Dolan...Accordion, piano
Lynn Daniel...Upright and Electric Bass
Marvin Dykhuis...Guitar (Acoustic and Electric)
Tina Carraway...Fiddle (track 12)
Mandolin, Percussion, Banjo, Bass
Album Review
by
George Peden
"I wake up every morning to that same old
bump and grind./Chasing a dollar, falling in line/ Over my head, underpaid
and overdue/ I’ve got one thing on my side, Baby, Baby that’s you./ Lost
in the shuffle, but I’m still in the race/ Backed in a corner, but I know
this ain’t my place." -Byrd and Street from "Baby That’s You"
The title of Austin, Texas, duo Byrd and
Street’s latest release, Stories Of Life, Songs Of Love, is a
fitting one. With an album of original music touching life and love, all
done in a bluesy, Americana vein, Tommy Byrd and Kathy Street share an
appealing formula on their self-released album. The duo, who formed in
2001, recently won a local Performer of the Year award. Now they prove
their mettle and versatility here with fine harmonies, crafted songs, and
seasoned experience.
Smooth tones, a relaxed style and no fuss vocals – that’s Tommy Byrd.
Listen closely. He’s a little like Lyle Lovett. It made their publicist,
Marilyn von Steiger (Stop the Truck and Bob Dildy), laugh when I told her
that, but she didn’t disagree). I mean, to these weathered ears, he
does! Having shared stage space with the Geezenslaws and Willie Nelson
and inspired by the Beatles, Byrd bought his first guitar in ’64. He’s
been kicking around in bands since. Now this prolific writer has found
form in his band mate, Kathy Street.
Kathy Street is a singer, actor (she’s starred in local productions
including, The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady) and songwriter. She, too,
is no stranger to bright lights and rowdy crowds, as her musical career
began in 1967. With a voice helping them win the 2002 Austin Songwriter’s
Group annual contest, Street comes armed with a soulful and energized
voice.
The album opens with "Baby That’s You," an appealing musical entrée to
the 12 offered tracks. Sprinklings of accordion and fiddle prop the tale
of daily rituals, survived only with a partner’s love, while confirming
shades of Lovett appear in the lyrics of love’s better qualities, "Ain’t
It Funny." Move to "The Melody Of You" and "Lonesome Without You," and
the mood hits. These guys are love merchants. They share their passion
for words and performance with a charm that spells Austin, but with a
message that’ll travel to reach a willing heart.
While Byrd and Street weave their magic, a tight band of fiddles,
mandolin, accordion, piano, guitars, drums and bass makes stable harmony.
The musicianship here is top drawer Texas. When the band strikes up with
hard bass slaps, fiddle, and brushed drums on "Rock Away The Blues" or the
guitar-led, drum-driven, funky tale of desperate romance on "Hard Time,"
you know this is no dress rehearsal.
The successful spirit of this album is simple. Tommy Byrd writes a
good tune. There’s no struggle to make or force a story line; Byrd just
lets it flow. Kathy Street, mellow and warm, plays her part, too. It’s a
blend that shines on the easily understood tale of first kisses on a front
porch, kids in their Sunday best, angry words forgiven and hands held
tight, as heard on "Just An Old House".
A good part of writing for CountryReview.com is the chance I
have to hear original music. Sure, some of it falls flat, but some, well,
it makes you say, simply, "Yes!" Beyond the crowds, trendy CMT, and the
fickle followers of fashionable cowboys, is the rich world of independent
music. A place where real music, not just CD sales, drives the deal, a
place where music arrives shaped from skill and passion. Check out Byrd
and Street. Their stories of life and songs of love prove my point.
