Debut Album from Singer/Songwriter Terry Colquitt “We’ll See” Delivers
The debut album from singer/songwriter Terry Colquitt is a refreshing experience of uplifting, yet doubt-tinged, folky music for the masses.
Way back in 1992 Cracker lead singer David Lowery sang the words, “What the world needs now/Is another folk singer/Like I need a hole in my head.” Well, he had a pretty good point, but that was back in 1992. Although the debut album from Terry Colquitt doesn’t exactly fit the folk music moniker, it is folky, catchy, and acoustic guitar driven…but it’s more reminiscent of Springsteen than Guthrie. Maybe it’s time to ask instead, does the world need another Springsteen? Colquitt is no Springsteen, but he’s got the songwriting talent and a sound that brings to mind The Boss’ quieter moments. Art is made while standing on the shoulders of giants and some artists do it better than others. We’ll See is a great addition to the folksy, working class, everyman’s genre of music and deserves your attention, whether or not you think new folk singers are hole-in-head inducing.
The first thing that one notices when listening to the album, particularly its opening track, “Come Along With Me,” is the stripped-down acoustic guitar and harmonica playing that sets the stage for the sparse electric guitar accompaniment and uplifting vocals. This basic arrangement is utilized to great effect by Colquitt throughout the album. Mixing in solid rhythm sections constructed through solid bass and drum lines, the album progresses through a string of well-crafted songs that betray a wider range of genres than are apparent upon first listen. The best Springsteen-inspired track on the album, which also happens to be the album’s title track, is one of the album’s best offerings. Colquitt tells a story that leaves the listener with a feeling of doubt, yet comfort. Never quite defining what he’s singing about as all good artists do, Colquitt takes the listener on what ends up being a spiritual, but not religious, trek through redemption and enlightenment. “Jesus on The Dashboard” veers the listener into more secular territory with its rockabilly swagger and beat. The song really illustrates the excellent musicianship of all involved. The album’s sound is powerfully polished and well arranged overall, and this is quite an accomplishment since the musicians never even worked together in the same room. “Neither Terry nor I have met any of the other musicians involved in the flesh. One lives in Norway, another in Sweden, and one in Boston. All parts were recorded at the respective homes of the musicians. And they were mixed in my basement in Cincinnati.” states Joel Colquitt, Terry’s brother who co-produced, mixed, and mastered the album (Joel also plays on the album).
Despite the physical distance between the artists who play on the album, it really does sound like they’ve been playing in the same room for years. It’s a tight unit and their ability to move between rockabilly and the kind of understated rumble that drives the excellent “100 Days” is, again, a great accomplishment of songwriting and performing talent. The oscillating electric guitar and rhythms of “100 Days” is as hypnotic as it is poignant. Rounding out the album is the country-tinged “Good Thought.” While its lyrics are unabashedly spiritual, even religious, they are the type of lyrics that all good spiritually themed songs, poems, or hymns display. Invoking self-introspection and examination instead of turning the lens outward in an effort to convert, Colquitt sings with a desire to convert no one but himself. To be a better person, by focusing on bettering oneself so as to be able to benefit others is the first and most important message of any redemption song. It should always be the first step taken.
Terry Colquitt has taken a major step toward developing himself as an artist, writer, and composer with his debut album We’ll See. It’s great to see that this DIY ethic and hard work can still make one’s dreams come true and allow for the light of creativity to shine instead of being smothered under the bushel of a made to order pop music industry. The good stuff is out there still. Sometimes you just have to keep the midnight oil, and therefore the light, burning. Yeah, another folk singer is welcome-no holes in head required.
