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Whilst listening to this 12 track collection of rootsy, endearing songs from
Nashville based Steven Jackson, I was briefly lost for a moment contemplating
what a great line up it would be to have indie singer-songwriters of the
calibre of Greg Tannen, Steve Tannen, Rob Seals, Jeff Witzeman, and Steven
Jackson on the same bill. For Jackson to be mentioned in the same breath
as the aforementioned recommended artists already featured at Indie Monkey,
it means he must be doing something right.
 On 'Boxfan' Jackson proves that and more, with a diverse, highly memorable
album that draws from influences as wide-ranging as folk, rock, rockabilly,
and pop. With a voice that sounds like the result of a cross between Bruce
Springsteen, Jakob Dylan, and Adam Duritz, Jackson immediately draws the
ear in closely. But, like a car without wheels, that alone would not be enough
to get Jackson anywhere. Thankfully, his ability to write compelling, lyrically
mature songs combined with the superbly polished production of Rob Seals
means that is an album of some reckoning.
Opening with the frantic, harmonica laced 'Leavers and the Leftbehinds',
Jackson hints at his ability to sketch vivid portraits of scenes and stories
with consumate ease; a fact expertly demonstrated on 'Carnival' and closing
track, 'At The Other End', both of which show a knack for the type of snapshot
storytelling done so well by the likes of Shawn Mullins and Paul Kelly.
Elsewhere, the brilliantly evocative 'Down Sycamore' is a real treat, full
of electric verve made even better by Seals’ production, and the excellent
uptempo 'Changes' has a real rootsy spring in its step. The delicate 'No
Quitter', with some impassioned vocals from Jackson, complemented by a restrained electric guitar, is an absorbing listen, and 'If This Is A Western' provides a quirky diversion whilst allowing Jackson’s fondness for rockabilly to be demonstrated.
Throughout the CD the tight unit of players Jackson has assembled as 'The
Leavers' add to the quality on display, with sterling efforts from Eddie
Walker on drums, Chad Berger on organ and piano and the gorgeous cello skills
of Darcy Harwood on the aforementioned 'Carnival'.
 'Boxfan' is a thoroughly recommended album full of economical lyrics packed
with resonance and impact that remains totally engaging until the final note
has passed. It’s possibly one for a particular mood or time of day, but one
that ultimately proves artists generally considered on the periphery of the
musical landscape are there to be savoured. Now if you excuse me, I’m
off to decide just who would headline the bill if the fantasy festival line
up of Indie Monkey singer-songwriters was ever assembled...
(ED Note: Monkeypalooza? Hmm now that is an idea...)
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