Mark Selby, who has been a successful songwriter, authored the Dixie Chick’s “There’s Your Trouble” and Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s “Blue on Black.” Both of those songs were Billboard hits. In addition, Trisha Yearwood and Wynonna Judd have benefited from Selby’s talent.
But on his second release under Vanguard Records, “Dirt,” when this Okie turned Nashvillian tries delivering his own material the album title becomes disappointingly accurate.
Through the artists he worked for, Selby’s affinity for the antique sound of country and blues is evident. Opening for B.B. King and working with keyboardist Reese Wynans certifies his vintage musical perspective. It is more clear in the 11 tracks holding “Dirt” together that Selby is regurgitating lessons from an older school where Stevie Ray Vaugnhn and Merle Haggard sat at the cool table.
Selby is a talented guitarist; he could take Bonnie Rait to the prom. But his vocals are not powerful enough to back up the Bruce Springstien/John Mellancamp earthy rock he plays. In addition to the saccharine lyrics that were mostly the collaborative product of Selby and his wife, Tia Sillers, the album mimics the dry and bland landscape of Selby’s mid-west home.
Lines like “This is the backdoor to my heart/oh, but don’t you tell a soul/that I’ve given you the key/to the rooms inside of me” and “I would be the one you want/ if the world was mine/wouldn’t that be fine” are this wedded duo’s syrupy concoctions.
And just like the khaki-colored grass and sand of Oklahoma, one song from “Dirt” is hardly distinguishable from the other. His simple lyrics and charm-less voice push the listener away from the redeeming guitar sound. Yet, after a while there is something honest and welcoming in that dynamic. It is a throw back to the days of good-ol’ boys singing everyday heart ache out into the dusty nothing from their porch steps. But, the moment of nostalgia doesn’t last long enough to get through even half the album.
His back up consists of Tony Nagy, bassist; Chad Cromwell, drums and Tim Lauer on piano. In songs like “Moon Over My Shoulder” and the title track the band carries their own. But in most songs they contribute a very dull backdrop to Selby’s dominating chords and riffs.
His previous release “More Storms Comin'” gave the same impression to other critics.
“Not that there’s anything terribly original about More Storms Comin’. The songs are reminder of The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, and a few other classic rockers who dabble in the blues,” said Ed Kopp of AllAboutJazz.com.
On Selby’s Vangaurd Web site he explains his latest album.
“This new record … is about making informed choices and accepting their consequences,” Selby states in his biography.
The lackluster “Dirt” might produce difficult consequences to accept. But I wouldn’t be too quick kick him out of the jazz/blues/folk artist clique of Eric Clapton and Johnny Lang. Even dirt with the right ingredients can build something original.