Search - Cheryl Wheeler :: Pointing at the Sun

Missing the Social Satire, but Still An Artist to Savor

Mark D. Prouse | Riverdale (Bronx), NY | 05/28/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Down at Joe's Pub on a frosty night this past winter, I had the sublime pleasure of hearing the title song on this new disc, "Pointing At the Sun," for the first time. It's one of her loveliest and most satisfying songs ever, and it's so good to hear it once again. It's a fine centerpiece for this new CD, and such a warm, inviting shelter from the screeching religious wars. "Let the mystery be..." as its theme has been written of elsewhere.



Back to that night at Joe's, announcing this upcoming release from the small stage, Cheryl was accompanied by only her own guitar, and for a little more than an hour, she thrilled and entertained us with her songs, new and old, gorgeous and funny. She introduced us to a new version of "Summer Fly," complete with a cool new bridge. On the CD, this fleshed out version is every bit as great as the original acoustic version, but it has a very different feel, and seems almost chaotic in places, with a strange assault of brass chiming in. It works; just don't expect this to be like the one you know. For me, it's another high point on this CD, as it was in her show.



Elsewhere, this collection of songs features a nice balance of instrumentation, some songs with a full band, others with just guitar and bass. Cheryl is equally good in both kinds of settings. The only thing that's missing is her trademark inclusion of two or three cutting, satirical pieces. She performed a hysterical "answer song" to her own "Gandhi/Buddha" at Joe's, but it's sadly missing here. In fact, there's only one really funny, topical number here, the middle tune in her new Cat Trilogy, which ends this album. These last three tunes are all amusing, with lively, swingin' arrangements, but the biting wit of many of her older comedic songs is not so evident this time around. Cat lovers, such as I, will appreciate these tunes, but they may be too cute for others. The final number, "My Cat's Birthday" harkens back to songs like Burl Ives' "Ugly Bug Ball" and Leon Redbone's "At The Chocolate Bon Bon Ball." Silly fun.



Although the prevailing mood of this set is mellow, it's never dull. There are plenty of rhythmic elements to break it up some, and Cheryl's melodies are as pretty as ever, while her lyrics usually avoid being overly sentimental -- Wheeler continues to write simply and movingly about nature, yet even with the seriousness of most of these new songs, Cheryl's sense of humor pokes through here and there. You have to listen closely for it, but it's there, and when you discover it, you will smile. The final verse of the title song contains a line that is a good example.



Cheryl still sounds great, her deep and warm alto always a welcome relief from much of the histrionic, labored vocalizing that so often passes for singing these days. While she does sing with passion, she never over-sings, and going one better, sounds like no one else. I love Cheryl Wheeler, and I highly recommend POINTING AT THE SUN, even to those who are new to her art. Die hard fans, do not hesitate!"

The Wheeler CD for Cat lovers.

Steven I. Ramm | Phila, PA USA | 05/24/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"For most of her recording career singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler recorded for the Massachusetts-based Philo label. This new CD (her first since 2005) is on her own label.



I've never seen Cheryl perform live but my favorite songs (and one I play a lot for friends) is Cheryl's tune "Estate Sale". (Check out the wonderful video on You Tube!). She has an amazing way with words. She writes some very funny songs and her other CDs have a mix of these and some serious compassionate ones.



That said, I found this new CD to be less than perfect with more serious numbers than previous ones. Cat lovers will want this CD if just for the last three songs, which form a mini "Cat Suite". Cheryl lost her cat Penrod and you can tell from her lyrics that he is still a part of her. In fact, as you'll find if you read the liner notes, Penrod is on the last track as part of the instrument Cheryl created called a "Catash". (Yep its what it sounds like.). Though I don't have a cat - and really am not a cat lover, I did enjoy the song "Cat Accountant", since I'm also a CPA!



The strongest number - at least to my ears - is the lead off track - "Holding On" - but I guess that's why it's placed there! I found myself returning to the first three tracks more than the others.



As a tribute to Penrod, the CD serves its purpose. For me, I miss Cheryl's satirical humor and tunes - again like "estate Sale" from years ago - with choruses I find myself singing at times for no specific reason.



But this is a CD that Wheeler completists will want and should find a good home with feline fans.

















"

Best Album in Years

Patricia E. Boehnhardt | minneapolis | 06/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of Cheryl Wheeler's for years. She comes to Minneapolis usually once a year and I never

fail to go hear her sing. In concert, she's hilarious, thoughtful, and often what she has to say I find touching.

This album has been a long time in coming, but it's no disappointment. The cat trilogy -- especially with the wonderful arrangements -- was a treat. I go back and forth between the other songs -- which is my current favorite. Right now it's "Underbrush." The range of emotions cheryl deals with in her songs is wide and beautifully realized. Her voice, which has deepened over the years, is still heartbreakingly soft at times, and raucously vivid and wicked at others. And, as always, the addition of Kenny White, both as a musician and as a backup vocalist, add just the right melodic touch. Truly, I couldn't recommend this CD more highly."