R D ROTH: From the Ears Down

R D Roth

From the Ears Down

© 2002 rdroth (747014447727)

A textured, lush middle ground between Hank Williams and early Pink Floyd, this CD features acoustic instrumentation supporting solid American songwriting.

notes

With the release of "From The Ears Down" artist and writer R D Roth illuminates the common threads in all art - composition, texture, theme, contrast and allusion. Rooted firmly in the american songwriting tradition, this record is by turns moody and celebratory.

A finely crafted work with a heavy emphasis on the power of language and storytelling, "From The Ears Down" invites the listener to delve into the lush space created here. It is a space which will both comfort and surprise.

Recorded and mixed at Angel City Studios, Chicago which is responsible for producing such classics as Chamber Strings "Gospel Morning" and Kevin Tihista's "Don't Breath A Word." Produced by Ellis Clark & R D Roth. Mastered by Blaise Barton at Scientific Mastering, Chicago.

The Players: Paul K (Paul K and The Weathermen, Paul K and The Prayers), David Olney (legendary singer/songwriter from Nashville, covered by Emmylou Harris and Nanci Griffith, among others), Ellis Clark (Epicycle), Dan Polonsky (Box-O-Car, Manservant), Dan Leali (Blue Man Group, Janet Beveridge Bean, Fareed Haque), Heidi Meredith (The Geezers, Lovey Howell), Nicky English (Rose Polenzani, Manservant, Hot Dog City), Chico Welch, Joe Lill, Wendy DeBias, Laura Caragher (Slowjane), Alf Swanson (Seers Poncho), Libby Reed, Ric Salazar (The Woodrows), Marc Gratama (Starcandy), and Gus Friedlander (Whiskey Hollow Bluegrass Band).

Finding common cause with the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Elvis Costello, Ray Charles, George Harrison, Gram Parsons, The Flaming Lips, XTC, Tom Waits, Chris Whitley and Roger Waters, Roth manages to synthesize these seemingly far-flung influences into a concise, organic recording which flows easily from song to song. Liner notes by Paul K and Vince Bell.

"The man truly has a talent... word economy and a damn strong melodic sense."
- Paul K

"A brave sounding CD...we have a lot in common."
- Vince Bell

reviews

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  • author: Louisville Eccentric Observer

    December 11, 2002 "Promising new Chicago singer-songwriter R. D. Roth arrives at The Rudyard Kipling...next week, plying the trade of his heroes (Dylan, Van Zandt, etc.). Roth, an acclaimed sculptor, is touring the area on the strength of his first album "From The Ears Down," and it's signature pop/country gem "All The World Requires." His expression ranges from sorrowful to angry to wistful and resigned. His burnished voice is reminiscent of Steve Earle and Chuck Prophet, not dissimilar to local writers Dan Gediman and Bryan Hurst. Expect twang and gloom and soul."

  • author: CityView (Champaign/Urbana)

    December 13 - 19, 2002 "Performing with Dean will be fellow Windy City resident R. D. Roth, whose refined take on Americana might just steal the show."

  • author: The Nashville Scene

    December 12, 2002 "Opening for Dean...is R. D. Roth, a smart, evocative troubadour who wraps his musings in lush, crepuscular soundscapes."

  • author: The Nashville Rage

    December 12, 2002 "...with R. D. Roth, whose stunning record "From The Ears Down" is an exercise in well-crafted, cinematic songs delivered with self-assured ease and honesty. Calling to mind the elliptical approach of Lambchop and the straightforward songsmithing of writers like Guy Clark, Roth's music holds a wide appeal and countless layers of emotion."

  • A great listen. Sonic heaven.
    author: Keith Dinsmore

    This is one great listen. Real textured stuff and recorded well w/great soundstaging. Not a weak song in the bunch. Singing along w/I Need A Guru while driving the car is a real gas.

  • An affecting singer and melodic tunesmith with a firm footing in the roots.
    author: Michael Westerfield, Ops and Program Director, Sisyphus Tracks R

    While the title of his debut album - "From the Ears Down" - refers to the organs we use to hear, the eyes play an important role, too, as demonstrated by the sharp visual imagery that often imbues these songs. Musically, Roth reveals himself as a melodic tunesmith, an affecting singer, and a tasteful guitarist. The selection of songs is diverse thematically and musically, yet all share a firm footing in the roots. Production is likewise impressive. While you clearly can hear some of his influences, what you hear most of all is someone in the process of developing his very own style and forging his own musical identity - and what's remarkable is how quickly he's getting there.

  • Chock full of gorgeous turns of melody and phrase
    author: Ragamuffin Radio Mike

    I particularly loves the lure of Draw The Light, 'after every buckled sidewalk, and through all the hanging doors . . .' Listening as I am to Badly Drawn Boy's inspired soundtrack to Hugh Grant's About A Boy, this one fits right into BDB's mindset, both of them capture the moment perfectly, the vibes, the piano the ache in the voice and Paul K's spot on fingers coaxing the lines outta the lead guitar. Draw the Line is equal for me to anything on BDB's soundtrack which is chock with delights and I don't make the comparison lightly. Sure there's a few nods here and there to dancing Dave's heroes like the Olney inspired Blues for Howard Hughes but this is also chock full of gorgeous turns of melody and phrase which will keep this in the player all summer long

  • Making American music new again.
    author: Tom Marzella

    RD Roth manages to take many familiar elements; slide guitar, rootsy americana arrangements, and turn them into something new. Best of all, the lyrics never embarass and help hold the listener's attention. For fans of Gene Clark and My Morning Jacket.

  • a superb album that reaches beyond the one man/one guitar pattern
    author: Herve, paris pAl

    I was lucky enough to hear the initail mix of RD Roth's "All the world requires" without Dave Olney's voice and harp and elected it "song of 2001" on my Internet radio show. The final mix of the song is all the more powerful and haunting. The rest of the album is simply just as good with unique and bold arrangements, especially Joe Lill's trumpet and Libby Reeds harmonies. "Blues for Howard Hughes" immediately caught my ears. No doubt "From the ears down" will be one of the best CDs of 2002. Herve, pAris pAl, www.mysongwriters.com

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