There is a mixture of joy and sorrow on Ted "dr j" Jablonski's latest CD, It Really Don't Change Much.... The songs cover the spectrum between emotions.

Jablonski (lead vocals, harmony vocals, all keyboards, acoustic guitar and harmonica) is joined by Tim Williams (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, stringed instruments, mandolin, harmony vocals and percussion), Thom Moon (drums and percussion), John Hyde (acoustic bass) and Jenny Allen (harmony vocals).

The harmonica starts "Forget About These Blues" off and the song never slows down from there. The beat of "Oh Canada" makes it feel like the singer is walking down a street. The song touches on the Canadian love of hockey and does include some of the National Anthem at the end. "It Really Don't Change Much" is a sad song and the mood carries on into the next song. The lyrics of "Read Between the Lines" could easily be a poem, a kaleidoscope of thoughts and ideas swirling around one central message.

"Autumn Leaves" is a laidback blues song asking a lover to stay. His cover of Townes Van Zandt's "No Place to Fall" goes straight to the heart, and is one of the best songs on the CD. From there you go to a song of hope in "After a Dry Spell" and the music is fittingly upbeat. "See Ya Sam" comes from when the night isn't quite over but it should be. The music, especially during the instrumental sections soars in "Resting in Their Arms (Richard's Song)," a goodbye song full of love.

The music and lyrics combine wonderfully in "MIHO" to tell of a mysterious encounter at night. The lyrics drift gently over the music in "Always There with You," emphasizing the tenderness of this love song. "Joni -- Please Butt Out" is a light-hearted song that will make you laugh. He finishes off with Tom Waits' "Picture in a Frame."

It Really Don't Change Much... is another solid outing by Dan "dr j" Jablonski. The music is wonderful, his voice shifts to match the song and it comes together as life is. Quiet joys, quiet sorrows and sometimes they come hand in hand.

- Rambles
written by Paul de Bruijn
published 26 June 2004