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Now Playing: Malcolm Holcombe’s ‘Bits & Pieces'

willphoenix (53)in #music • 2 days ago

Malcolm Holcombe is readying for the release of a new album. It's titled Bits & Pieces and has a drop date of June 23rd, 2023. But first, for those of you not yet familiar with the artist in question, a bit o’ background.

Malcolm Holcombe

According to Holcombe’s official website, is an American singer-songwriter/musician and “a cancer survivor.” Following his “[cancer] diagnosis in 2022, he and Jared Tyler decided to get these songs recorded, just the two of them, not knowing what the future held in store.” He was born in Weaverville, North Carolina, and is now living in Swannanoa, North Carolina.

His rockin’ resume includes 17 previous platters. He first released the 1984 disc Trademark with Sam Milner in 1984. Holcombe’s first solo CD, A Far Cry From Here, dropped in 1994. His most recent release, Tricks of the Trade, came out in 2020.

Signature Sound

Holcombe’s signature sound is a mix of multiple music genres including Americana, alternative/insurgent country, and folk. His songs are often inspired by events, both good and bad, in his own life.

Bits & Pieces

Bits & Pieces is a 13-track album of all original material written by Holcombe. Here on his 18th album, Holcombe leads the way on acoustic guitar and vocals. He is backed by co-producer Jared Tyler dobro, lap steel, baritone guitar, electric guitar, bass, mandola, tenor banjo, classical guitar, drums and percussion, and background vocals.

Track by Track

The lead-in is the title track, “Bits And Pieces.” This is a strong, tuneful tale that effectively introduces us to the artist’s abilities. In a recent e-communique, Tyler spoke of the song.

He said: “[It] was the first song Malcolm sent me for this project and I knew immediately this was going to be a strong and visceral album. This song demanded unexpected solutions in the studio and took me on a profound journey as a musician. Malcolm tells his story warts and all and I believe we’re all better for it.”

The second selection is the fairly vibrant “Fill Those Shoes.” In this song, he appears to share his personal perceptions concerning both past and current events in an overly-generalized sense, of course. It has an underlying hope for humanity and the thought that change is possible if we want it.

The next number is “Hard Luck City.” This one has great potential as a road trip song. Perhaps, more likely, it’d work well on a motion picture soundtrack.

“The Wind Doesn’t Know You” follows. This one focuses on the idea of how people cope with the imperfect moments in life, change, and perhaps getting old as well. “Conscience of Man” is another fine example of how Holcombe uses music to deal with life and how he often has strong feelings and reactions to events in and around his world. It’s actually a positive piece focused on man’s innate goodness.

“Ev’ry Soul Is There” is perhaps a bit overshadowed in its placement. Still, there may be a method to the musical madness since it still easily maintains its own little identity. It certainly sounds like it would work well in those off-the-beaten-path little nigh-nameless venues.

The seventh selection is “Happy Wonderland”. This is another cut that includes examples of what is known, according to a recent email as, “Malcolmisms.” Malcolmisms are essentially his creative way of injecting his song lyrics with his personal advice and perspective. One popular example here is: “You gotta butter your bread on the right side / Don't whistle at the women 'round here / that corn fed bible belt mama's gotta skillet made for your head”.

The eighth audio offering is “Another Sweet Deal.” Whether the song is about touring, life, survival, the future or all of these things is debatable. It puts out a positive message and would also make a good road trip track.

The ninth number is “Bootstraps.” Again, Holcombe’s song stories seem to often deal with perseverance, personal perspective or attitude, and in this case even a sense of maturity. Also included is “Eye of A Needle.” It’s not always the subject that makes Holcombe’s material unique, but his presentation and delivery. This song provides another example of that.

Holcombe’s signature sound remains strong on “Rubbin’ Elbows”. Just like many of his other songs, it comes complete with topical and pop culture references and a solid dose of his own take. He is a performer, not a politician and his music refreshingly acknowledges that.

“I’ve Been There” also includes another noteworthy example of his creative expression of oft’times humorous common sense commentary. “You can make a silk purse from an ol’ sow's ear / You can polish a turd with some elbow grease. / There's a flim-flam floozy full o' booze and boobies / I know I been there all over again”. It’s another example of how Holcombe experiences life and his life experiences.

The closing cut is a cautionary tale as seen through Holcombe’s eyes. It’s titled “Bring To Fly.” It serves as yet one more example of what Holcombe can do.

Overall…

Overall, this album is highlighted by his personal perspective, song stories, and simple yet effective musicianship. His vocals are raw and honest and the focus is on his messages rather than an overly-polished performance. He is a seasoned, traveling troubadour. His sometimes sage-like songs are rife with his particular words of wisdom welcomely expressed in his own musical manner. So, check out Malcolm Holcombe’s Bits & Pieces and explore the “Conscience of Man.”

(Images courtesy of Malcolm Holcombe)