Geoffrey Wickham
Geoffrey Wickham
Roto Noto Music
1999
12 tracks
Geoffrey Wickham is yet another example of why I abhor genre classifications. In a world where narrow genre identification has become the be-all and end-all, not just in popular but most styles of music, Wickham could be perceived as one more Canadian singer/songwriter who can't decide what he wants to be. I have to ask: is that a bad thing? Perhaps, in his quest for diversity, Wickham has not gone far enough.
Wickham's music is an uneasy blend of folk, pop, and country music. Over all, it epitomizes a style of quiet country music popular during the Sixties. There are echoes here of Charlie Rich, Jim Ed Brown, Bobby Goldsboro and others who generated a wave of quiet, sentimental songs a generation ago. Some of the songs seem to echo John Denver's more sentimental work and Lightfoot's songs from the "If You Could Read My Mind" period. Perhaps there's a genre here after all, but as yet unnamed.
If forced to tie the music on this release to a specific genre, I would say it is mostly country, but an older style of pop-country we don't hear much today. The songs and the performances are especially reminiscent of Bobby Goldsboro, some Bobby Vinton, and other romantic artists of that era
"Anybody Seen My Girl" sets the stage with a sweet country sound that is at once reminiscent of Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and Rich's "The Most Beautiful Girl" yet stands comfortably on its own. There follows a series of soft country/folk songs that would fit easily into any easy listening format on small town radio or as background in some fine dining establishment.
Wickham's music is inoffensive and comfortable. There is nothing here to offend even the most contrary listener. However, there is also nothing here to distinguish Wickham or his music from the crowd. There is nothing deep here. The lyrics seem to be well written in the technical sense but are more the work of a clichéd versifier than of an original poet. Like the music backing them, the words seem derivative, a boilerplate pastiche of bits we've heard before.
With his technical facility as a musician and lyricist and his clear ability to play and sing his songs, Wickham is most likely a popular performer at his local folk club or other hometown venues. This may be what has prevented his music rising above the mundane. I've seen this in other artists. They enjoy the applause and the accolades of the home crowd and continue to perform the same thing over and over, never growing, never taking a risk. Based on this release, I believe Wickham has the talent to make that leap. I wonder, has he the courage?
It will be interesting to see what Wickham's next release will bring.
Those interested in learning more about Geoffrey Wickham can visit his internet home.
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