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Review of Jud Caswell's Simplify

03/22/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Simplify, the recent Jud Caswell release from Alderdown Music, takes on some relevant topics in a clear, cool-headed approach. The album addresses the pleasant and not-so-pleasant side of human relationships as well as the current condition of the individual person in today's unyielding circumstances. The album opens with The Change, which along with Summertime Lover, Ariadne, and the brutally honest Home Now touch on the difficulties and struggles of people trying to relate to one another. The songs express the frustration of people encountering insurmountable barriers to communication as well as the unfulfilled hopes, and the dwindling and departing love that result from these barriers. To counter the somber mood created by these songs, peppered throughout the album are selections like Bach and Bookstores, The Driving Song, Lovers Friends and Theives, and Simple Little Lullaby. These songs, along with Farmer's Tans, highlight the warmth and often overlooked pleasures and comforts that relationships can bring. However, a third group of songs, led by the title track, reminds the listeners that each moment they are challenged to develop a healthier balance between their personal goals and ideals and the demands placed upon them by the outside world and ultimately, themselves. Simplify, If I Only Had The Time, and The Good Ship Promised Land relate the perils and regrets resulting from the misuse of our time, the tendency to not focus on the truly important values in our lives, and the inability or unwillingness to keep popular ideals from destroying personal serenity. For owners of Caswell's previous release, Better Things, this album clearly shows his dedication to his craft. For those who do not yet own anything by Jud Caswell, Simplify is a relaxing and often thought provoking way to familiarize yourself with the artist. Johnny Jones"

Ouch! That hits close to home...

10/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While overall "Simplify" is an extremely well-written and well-performed body of work, "If I Only Had the Time" stands out for me. This is a song that made me stop to think about how I've prioritized things in my life (work, family, friends, etc.). Jud's songs so often do just that--make you think. Yet musically they are so well done you can just as easily let the music flow over you without giving it a single thought. But when you have the time (!) to sit and listen to the lyrics, you'll find it worth your while. The saxophone interludes are very well placed and give this album that little something extra that makes it a must have. Enjoy!"