Reviews

John Inghram’s Self-Titled Debut

Posted by on May 15, 2022 at 7:23 pm


By Brian Rock

Acclaimed sideman, John Inghram seeks to make a name for himself on his self-titled debut. Blending Laurel Canyon and Appalachian melodies with a healthy dose of southern rock, Inghram creates a unique bi-coastal americana.

“Back In The Goodle Days,” epitomizes Inghram’s signature sound. Starting with a mellow walking bass line, a banjo joins in, as a fuzzed out electric guitar sprinkles a light seasoning of well-placed high notes. Against the folkgrass fusion, Inghram sings an ode to days gone by: “A lot of good people have done gone on. That’s my life when I sing this song about back in the goodle days.” You can virtually feel yourself swaying on a well-worn rocking chair on grandpa’s porch as strains of Hammond organ come in to complete the time twisting trip back to a simpler time.

“Palisades,” brings us back to the present with its Chris Robinson Brotherhood, cosmic folk rhythms and its lyrics urging us to live in the moment. “Underdog,” continues the atmospheric soundscape with an introspective ballad about persevering despite the odds. ‘The Slow Burn,” is another ballad with a Laurel Canyon/Don Henley feel. “Mile By Mile,” brings back the fuzz guitars and a gentle rolling rhythm to sing about the long, lonely hours of life on the road. 

Proving he can roll in the fast lane as well, Inghram fires up a Chuck Berry influenced tribute to his West Virginia home in, “Little Mountain Mama.” Punctuated by pulses of Hammond organ, Inghram sings, “With looks to kill, you better throw her in the slammer. But I don’t mind because it’s worth the trauma. No, there’s never been a woman like my little mountain mama.” “Same Old Game,” is a modern southern rock take on chasing romance that earns bonus points for name dropping Big Star. Inghram continues his guitar and organ assault on, “Magical Midnight Meltdown.” “Here to Stay,” is a defiant rocker about never backing down.

Like two sides of the same coin, Inghram’s mellow and rocking sides complement each other perfectly. Knowing that life seldom moves at the same speed, he ebbs and flows with life’s currents; picking up the pace when life makes you run, and relaxing when life is easy.

fb   |  buy

Brian Rock

Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.
Brian Rock

Latest posts by Brian Rock (see all)

Comments are closed.

MENU