Regular Columnists

Artist: Bob McParland
Album: “unresolved”
CD Review: Bob McParland is a romantic poet at heart and it shows in his lyrics. His songs are largely reflections on love; encompassing joy, loss and the questions after heartbreak we all have asked ourselves. His songs are written with an openness and honesty that are appealing.

His voice is full of emotion and quite unique. I hear a little similarity to Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music. McParland’s vocal sound varies a lot throughout the different songs. In my opinion his singing is more pleasing when he is singing with plenty of energy and volume. In a few places where he sings softly, there seems to be a little trouble with pitch.

He has put together very nice, rich arrangements with great lush harmonies filling out the sound. It’s a very high quality recording and production job. Bob plays guitar along with his singing but there are a wide variety of side players adding keyboards, violin, drums, bass and tasteful electric guitar. He made good choices in arrangement that add to his heartfelt songwriting.

‘unresolved’ is Bob McParland sharing his very personal journey, his experiences and his heart.

mcparland@msn.com