Though I Dwell In Possibility, the latest from Theo Blackmann, is listed as a jazz release, there's really nothing 'jazzy' about it. The singer-songwriter, who also plays every instrument and gadget on the CD (chimes, flutes, glass harp, autoharp, melodica, iPhone, water bottle, tongue drum, frog buzzer...you get the picture), uses his voice as the main attraction here, taking the listener through 15 minimalistic songs at just under an hour. Bleckmann does have a nice vocal style, somewhere between Sting, Todd Rundgren, and Gentle Giant's Kerry Minnear, but the problem here is that there's just not enough going on, either vocally or musically, to really stimulate the listener and make you want to come back for more. His solo yodeling on "Duet For One" sounds like a lost outtake from Focus' "Hokus Pokus" sessions, and "Ma'at", in what seems to be a Middle Eastern tribute, just gets annoying after the first two minutes, despite the charming flute work. The best track here, the majestic "The Fiddle and the Drum", features some catchy vocal interplay, but is just screaming for some tricky musical accompaniment that never happens.
Theo Bleckmann has put together a very personal statement here with I Dwell In Possibility, but in all honesty, I'm not quite sure who he's targeting this CD towards. There's barely a hint of jazz, and it's not 'out there' enough for the avant-garde crowd, so your guess is as good as mine. Apparently he set out to "produce new sound and listening experiences", and I can only say he succeeded in doing so, though how enjoyable it will be to the listener remains to be seen.
Track Listing
1. I Dwell In Possibility
2. I Hear A Rhapsody
3. Lord Is It Mine
4. Duet For One
5. Static Still $0.99
6. Wa-lie-oh
7. That Lonesome Road
8. so la so mi
9. Ma'at
10. If Only
11. Earth And Sky
12. Fiddle And The Drum
13. Kleines Norwegisches Wintergedicht
14. Comes Love
15. Water Song
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
