FRANK RICHARD ROUGH ENOUGH

Independent

This is a man with an amazing back story which would at first sight seem to point more toward a documentary or, maybe, a book. Richard moved close to Woodstock to check out the vibe of Dylan etc, received his first guitar lesson from 60’s legend Tim Hardin and was also arrested at an anti-Vietnam war demonstration. Having spent around 50 chequered years on the road playing in various bands and performing solo in bars and clubs etc he once opened for Richie Havens and received a rave review from no less than the Washington Post. Incredibly this is his recording debut and is made up of a few original songs, a few borrowed from friends and a few covers. All These Blues is a trad song with Richard singing, playing acoustic guitar and harmonica and it sounds altogether wonderful. The approach is essentially acoustic throughout the album with additional sympatico backing from dobro, mandolin, bass, keyboards and backing vocals. His evocative voice is weary, travel worn and infused with road dust, and he uses it really well to tell his rootsy tales of life as a wandering minstrel. Peter Coyote’s descriptive road song Dead End aptly captures the mood of Richard’s lonely travels. 1-900 Mary is a haunting, atmospheric tale of urban depression, drug culture and missing home and loved ones. John Prine’s witty Some Humans Ain’t Human is a gentle sardonic offering, and the self-penned River Girl Blue is a sad tale of lost love with Richard’s crumpled vocal adding to the tension. A brave and intriguing cover of Bob Dylan’s Knocking On Heaven’s Door gets updated with lyrics about gun culture and the horrors of climate change. I thoroughly enjoyed this album and look forward to hearing more and to the book and film.

DAVE DRURY