Search - David Wilcox :: Vista

Wondering What Follows

JOSEPH MCCALEB | West Virginia | 07/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Have you like me wondered what could follow "Out Beyond Ideas," the Wilcox & Pettit CD that I must've listened to more than any other music I own? While I'd tuned into the spiritual resonances in David Wilcox's previous CDs, "Out Beyond Ideas" was distinctive in making the gnostic theme dominant. There the husband-wife team collaborated in making music out of religious poetry from many traditions and in turning it into a fund-raising project for world peace. So what would be next?



David Wilcox's answer is "Vista" where his title runs through most of the songs beginning with the first cut. "Get On" features a familiar strain of holding together your heart with your head once you've taken to walking the path. Throughout this new CD, Wilcox moves perspective about; in other words, he shifts the vista. Sometimes it's with a light touch, like salt and pepper in the same shaker (cut 4). Other times it feels dead serious, as in number 8 "Good Man" where the Christian Crusaders merge into contemporary terrorists. Wilcox probes the post-9/11 exigence in "Good Man" where he pushes us to consider good in "the worst sense of the word." The work of this song, as I see it, is to help us (or me, at least) to take better perspective of what is often left invisible: in particular, those hazy presumptions that sometimes get acted out as if they were unquestionably "good." By become a bit less semi-consciously presumptuous, I might allow deep values like my religious convictions to be seen and informed through grace. Wilcox does not preach this, but the music offers a window.



The folk musical style reminds me of the Wilcox CDs that preceded "Out Beyond Ideas"; but because I listen mainly to the lyrics, I'll leave the review of musical qualities to those qualified. My first listening to this CD was on the road in the hour of sunrise. I may have missed some of the words while negotiating traffic, but I'd want to listen again anyway because I enjoyed it, and again in order to get the double meanings that are characteristic of Wilcox. Where "Out Beyond Ideas" carries eternity, "Vista" probes the interweaving threads between this world and that. How can we live with more awareness of what's forever? Love, of course.



The first throat-swelling, skin-shivering song came for me in the opening of "Hard Part," probably because it carried the recognition that this was a dream-come-true for my long-time friend. This song, or something very similar to it, had been played by John Whalen (whom Wilcox credits as co-author) in living rooms in recent years. John had many years ago introduced me to the music of Wilcox as an inspiration for his own guitar work. Ownership is such a curious thing and the authorship of this song pushes us to wonder about the true source. As I listened to the familiar lyrics, I felt the resonance with other love songs that Wilcox has done, especially "Break in the Cup" from the 1994 "Big Horizon" CD. Of course, all true songs and stories about love must go back to and come from the one source.



Although not as prominent as in "Out Beyond Ideas," this CD is also graced by the presence of Nance Pettit. Only in one song did I hear her voice as equal to her partner, but throughout the CD her presence was clear. Finally, the CD concludes with a sort of lullaby, nicely including children in our love songs. This concluding work brings forth the memory of another classic Wilcox about starting at the end. So we end at the beginning and "Vista" more than satisfies my wonder."

A Journey to New Places

Chad Davies | Barnesville, GA | 06/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In his newest release, singer/songwriter David Wilcox takes the listener on a journey of discovery. A by-product of his recent travels across America with his family the album is loaded with themes of discovery, adventure and a journey to joy.



For fans of Wilcox's earlier work, this will be a welcome release with a return of excellent musicianship and strong lyrics. The style of the music varies from the funk of Same Shaker to the bluesy sounds of Brandon Wilford Hayes to the sweet, easy-flowing Celtic rhythms of Grateful for Her Beauty (my favorite song on the album). Add to those the biting commentary of Good Man and the honesty of Hard Part and you have an hour of travels that will leave you refreshed and encouraged.



I strongly recommend this album for anyone who likes strong songwriting, unexplored views and folk music. Excellent stuff."

SUPER!

Monticello Radio Man | Minnesota | 02/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a great sense of blues and melody David Wilcox has. He has one of the best voices in the music business. Many of his songs are creative and very meaningful and some are just plain fun!"