Search - Michael Fracasso :: A Pocketful of Rain

Simple Truth Blows You Away

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 10/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fracasso's high tenor is lovely with great resonance & expressiveness. Although he's most closely identified with the Texas music scene, he's originally from Mingo Junction, Ohio where the movie "The Deer Hunter" was filmed. On his 5th CD, Michael offers another good set of tunes. The opener "All Or Nothing" has Fracasso's soothing acoustic guitar strum with Patty Griffin's lovely supporting vocals, "Sometimes the night can lead you astray, sometimes the simple truth blows you away." Mark Hallman, formerly of the band Navarro, co-writes and lends background vocals on the midtempo title track, "Time will tell, but she won't talk; Ok then you be the judge why I shouldn't hold a grudge long as we're never gonna go nowhere." Michael does the late great Townes Van Zandt's "Loretta," who "Dances like a diamond shines." "Ragamuffin Blues" sounds like something from an early Dylan album. The tune is simple, but I keep turning the volume up when it comes on! "Whiskey Mother" is a sad ballad with Brian Standefer's cello giving a lovely soothing quality to the song, "I've been saving all my love for a rainy day such as this." "Mean Ol' Place" is another strong track with Michael's vocal swagger, "He seats you at your table, says, 'I hope you like the view'; You turn around & find him staring down at you." "A Pocketful of Rain" is another strong set that boasts sterling musicianship, Michael's powerful vocals & good songwriting. Enjoy!"