Search - Jon Dee Graham :: Escape From Monster Island

If Tom Waits was a Texas Troubadour he'd have made this CD

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 04/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though a gravelly Tom Waitsian delivery isn't the only vocal trick up Graham's sleeve, there's a boho-charm to the entire album that is reminiscent of Waits' earlier records.Graham is probably best known for his time with the well-known Austin-based True Believers, as well as a stint as the sideman du jur in L.A. (John Doe, Michelle Shocked, Patty Smyth). But it's as a solo artist, a singer and songwriter that he truly blooms.There's a tough, soulful sound to his songs, underlined by touches of B-3 organ and bassy, twangy guitars. But it's contrasted by songs in which the vocals are reduced to nearly confessional whispers, and the backing to dobro and acoustic guitars.This is one of the most assured and mature debut albums I've ever heard. Graham has interesting, adult things to say, and finds expressive ways to say them."