by Paul T. Mueller
–This live set from Texan Nick Verzosa and his bandmates is pretty standard bar-band stuff. Drinkin’, dancin’, lookin’ for love, gettin’ over lost love and so on – you’ve heard it before. But some things here give cause to hope for bigger and better things.
Verzosa’s writing is a notch better than the usual for this genre and he’s got some talented people playing with him. Maybe more important, he’s forged connections with some better-known people in the music business: musician/producer Walt Wilkins produced a couple of earlier projects, one of which featured a guest appearance by guitarist and producer Rich Brotherton.
Verzosa, another in a line of singer-songwriters graduated from the improbable hotbed of Texas A&M University, wrote 11 of the album’s 14 tracks and co-wrote two others (the remaining track was written by his bassist, Shawn McGee).
Some standouts:
- “I Wouldn’t Answer,” a ballad in which he advises an ex NOT to give him another chance, featuring some nice electric guitar by Matt Gracy and harmony vocals by Courtney Stefan
- “7th Year Senior,” a twangy tribute to a longer-than-usual college career (his introduction to the song concludes with “Take it from me, kids, stay in school!” )
- “Stronger Than That,” a bad-love ballad in waltz time that again showcases guitarist Gracy and solid playing from bassist McGee and drummer Danny Poole
- “She Only Loves Me (When I’m Leaving),” a bouncy love lament co-written with singer-songwriter Matt Harlan “Back When Love Was Easy,” a bittersweet look at the reality of a relationship after the initial euphoria fades; the song wraps up with band introductions and a crowd-pleasing snippet of the Eagles’ “Already Gone.”
Nick Verzosa seems to have a lot going for him – writing chops, a good ear for melodies and catchy hooks, and a road warrior’s work ethic. This collection has some rough edges, but plenty of energy and potential as well. This is a band worth watching.
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