James Krueger,
And Then a Silence Falls
(self-produced, 2002)

James Krueger's music is rough and ragged, making it difficult to know whether to sit back and relax or hover anxiously over the stereo waiting to turn the volume down when a particularly boisterous moment hits. Lovely, melodic lines often go careening off into brash, half-shouted finales that make the speakers groan. Echoes abound, and harmonies are occasionally unbalanced and strident. Nevertheless, for all its problems, I found that ...and then a silence falls could be both insightful and touching.

The CD is redeemed in part by Krueger's resonant voice, which struck me as a nice mix of Gordon Lightfoot and Woodie Guthrie. He is capable of surprising depth and control, bringing heartfelt appreciation to songs that celebrate the passing of the seasons and the sound of rain on a windowsill.

The second saving grace is the lyrics themselves. Here are songs that probe beneath the surface of seemingly simple topics -- the beauty of a mountain, the restlessness brought on by the change of seasons and the satisfaction of hiking a trail in wild country. Of course there are also the tired love songs with lines like "I shoulda known better than to tell you I'd settle down. I shoulda known better than to say I'd stick around" to be waded through.

But if you're game and looking for a new artist to champion as he finds his way, then Krueger would be a good choice. He's got the voice and the songwriting ability. Now if he can just find his balance he's sure to produce a winner.

- Rambles
written by by Jena Ball
published 30 August 2003

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