I’m not sure what takes "New Paltz Waltz" from just okay to wow: the overlay of old-school country instrumentation or Roberts’ deep, unhurried vocals. If there wasn’t so much cold fog outside, this song would peak my desire to hang out on the porch, sit in a rocking chair, and watch the river flow. "Where We've Been" sees Roberts' trying on the coat of a lonely bluesman (example: Bob Dylan's most recent albums). Fortunately, Roberts has got the voice for it, and his finger-picked guitar gets half the work done. Somewhere in the song a brass section comes in, and there’s a moment – it’s Hootie and the Blowfish!
Then the moment's gone.
Don't let the description I just gave mislead you: Owen Roberts is a folkster, all the way. He's from San Francisco and based out of New York (like all those other aspiring singer-songwriters I get e-mails from). Clearly the message here is: move to DC, people.
Back to Owen Roberts: Bay to Maples is his debut, and if this is what he sounds like now, I can't wait to hear more. He's also been really nice, as I've been going through submissions very slowly lately. If this bothers you, please remember, I am not THE MAN who's keeping you down. That would be Columbia/Sony.
Owen Roberts - New Paltz Waltz [highly rec'd!]
Owen Roberts - Where We've Been
Buy Bay to Maples from...iTunes, wherever
Owen Roberts' Website/Myspace/Blog!
Bonus: Canned Heat - Rollin' & Tumblin'
Labels: artist profile, owen roberts
Wow, New Paltz Waltz is really great. In this almost totally unpretentious way. Really great find.