KIERAN GOSS —I’LL BE SEEING YOU (Cog Communications)

[Maurice Hope]

www.kierangoss.com
www.myspace.com/kierangoss
Kieran Goss’s music isn’t of the kind that knocks you sideways or hits you full in the face, but music that draws you in. The kind that has the listener do the leg work and go search for it’s deeper meaning. Hence, the likes of his songs ‘One Boy’s Treasure’ (that lists the brilliant Beth Nielsen Chapman as one of the writers) and sad-eyed ‘No Good Without You’ and with his own deft work on acoustic guitar —aided by bass, pump organ plus, the sweetest harmony vocals you could wish for is as if a tapestry of the finest silk is woven on Kimmie Rhodes co-write ‘Line Of Innocence’. They are keepers each and every one.

Beautifully constructed and full of compassion Goss’ songs spin beautiful imagery that on occasions like ‘The Reason Why’ and ‘The One That Got Away’ project an added dash. As arguably, a retro feel spreads forth as his more serious side is dispensed with . You can also add the lilting ‘Let Me Take You Home Tonight’ and the bright and good to be alive ballad ‘Shining Like A Sun’. All of the above feature fellow recording act and fabulous guitarist, mandolin player Brendan Murphy in the songwriting credits as a variation that isn’t always apparent is reproduced. That is not to say their other songs are of a heavy and depressing nature, they aren’t. But his work is more reflective and less likely to be immediately cast as uplifting. However ‘Over And Over’ that has one of the track’s writers on harmony vocals Texan, Rhodes (Ann Kinsella being the other writer) possesses a timeless feel to the melody that would place it as a keeper in not only Goss’ book but also a host more!
In the notes that came with the cd it came as no surprise to read that Kieran was Don Williams’ special guest in 2006 when he was over since, like the country legend his gentle handling of the lyrics and sweet melodies possess many similarities.

On the musician front Rhodes’ son, Gabe on guitar (he also produced the album with Goss) and John Gardner (percussion) and Glenn Fukunaga (bass) are ever presents on this Electric Graceyland Studios, Austin, Texas recording —that just happens to be the home of Kimmie’s husband, the remarkable Joe Gracey. Who, in keeping it pretty much in the family recorded and mixed an album like in the standout, ‘Over And Over’ you could with a little prompting find yourself quicker than you imagined and, feel good about it!
Maurice Hope

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