CD Review

Don Conoscenti
Paradox of Grace

Don Conoscenti new independent release is Paradox of Grace. As the title suggests, Conoscenti continues to combine amazing musicianship with intense imagery, largely drawn from western landscapes. The lyrics are a bit cerebral, philosophical - even love songs move toward more general, aesthetic ideas. This is from the title track:

"take it easy baby. i really wish you would. a boring moment now and then would do us both some good. and go easy on yourself. wipe those tears off of your face. the salt you spilled into my woundsÉis just the paradox of grace. the paradox of grace."

And "The Other Side" offers a larger than life perspective from the afterlife:

"the world is smaller than a needle«s eye. where life and death softly divide. when you leave your skin and bones behind i«ll be waiting on the other side."

The album boasts harmony vocals by Don's best friend Ellis Paul on many songs; the problem is that Ellis's voice is so distinctive that it distracts from Don's; also, Don's presentation has always had a technical precision, spiritual depth and emotional detachment - there's always a Buddhist (as opposed to New Age) feel to him as a person and artist - whereas Ellis's voice is passionate, with that ragged edge. As philosopher/songwriters go, Don is one of the few I enjoy listening to. This is a fine album. Of special note: Don's completely original cover of Woody's "Vigilante Man." Great new website, by the way at www.donconoscenti.com

-HB