Me ‘n JD
Posted by Cindy on March 2nd, 2007
Last week I met-up with my main money man and singer/songwriter extraordinaire, Jayson Bales. After we finished-up the bidness talk, our conversation drifted to music. That’s when Jayson inquired, “so Cindy, have you heard J.D.’s new album?” To which I replied, “gosh no Jayson. I haven’t heard a peep from J.D. in months, didn’t even know he’d wrapped the album.” That’s when Jayson popped in his “promotional copy” and burned it to his laptop so’s I could leave with a parting gift of musical wonder.
So I’ve listened to the CD like 20 or more times, mostly during my drives back and forth to San Antone…and I must say…I love it. Am I biased? Perhaps a little. But my way of doin’ things is the old “if you ain’t got nuthin’ nice to say…” So I’m keepin’ it real.
I’ve known J.D. Whittenburg for years. I’ve loved him ever since day one. He’s a sweet guy, full of anguish and fulfills the “tormented soul” term to a T, which is evident in his lyrics. This new album is quite different from J.D.’s former outfit, Trainwreck, that was geared more towards Alt.Country/Americana. Salim Nourallah produced (and performed) this (as of now) self-titled CD at his fabby Pleasantry Lane Studio. That’s enough right there to make a damn fine album. Toss in musicians such as Chris Holt, Carter Albrecht, Daniel Hopkins, Greg Fontanillas, Sara Donaldson & Rip Rowan…then you’ve gotcherself something to be proud of on every level.
I was a little taken aback, yet quite pleased, by the pop-y-ness filling most tracks. You can definitely hear some Salimity here and there, but it’s still so very J.D. The lyrics are mostly sad tales about love, lost love, triangular love, getting screwed-over love…you get the gist, ending with a encore-worthy gorgeously robust tune entitled “Gospel Music.” The main thing is, it’s a good solid album and I can’t wait to listen to it, yet again. I’m proud of you J.D….um…call me?
March 8th
Club Dada
J.D. Whittenburg / Travis Hopper / American Aquarium
8 PM – $5.00
“Secrets That You Keep” by J.D. Whittenburg (one of my particular faves)
“Gospel Music” by J.D. Whittenburg
March 2nd, 2007 at 5:43 pm
i totally did the reflecting on that picture! allison’s got an AMAZING eye!! and i think i’ve listened to that CD about 2345436355434 times. it’s fantastic.
so glad this made it to fineline.
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Grace you have a budding talent yourself honey! That picture is awesome. J.D. always has a place here…he’s da’man!
May 17th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
[...] I told you kids way the hell back in March that JD Whittenburg’s debut solo album was gold. It’s nice to read that Jonanna Widner agrees… …Though Dallas dude J.D. Whittenburg is better known for his nouveau-country work with his band Trainwreck, his new self-titled solo disc deftly delves into the intricacies of formula No. 2. With stunning vocal dexterity, Whittenburg balances a poetic sensibility with a sharp-edged intelligence, resulting in gorgeous and vexing lyrics such as “‘Deny yourself all half things,’ he said/I had my chances, it’s true/But I never meant to follow through/To deny, to deny, you half thing, you” from the opening track “Half Things,” and straightforward declarations such as “I’m afraid to go out/It’s always bad news/I don’t want to drink too much/I always drink too much” from “Losing My Senses….” Read it all. [...]