"Stolen Kisses" A review by John Mier

Like Shakespeare's Marc Antony, Mick Byrd has a request. The self-described "Americana singer/songwriter" is a storyteller with plenty to tell, if you'll just lend him your ears.

Byrd's songs won't reach out and grab you with pounding beats and pop rhythms, but if you'll take a moment to tune in, you'll be turned on by the stories and observations he has to share.

"Stolen Kisses," Byrd's 2002 release, is a Whitman's Sampler, ranging from love songs to a blues tribute to shoes, from a patriotic anthem to a humorous tale about a basketball parent. Some are soft and creamy, others chewy. There might be one you're tempted to put back in the box - come on, you know you did it as a kid. And there are some that may just leave you
wanting more.

"Long Way Down" is that foil-wrapped treat right in the middle of the box, and coincidentally right in the middle of the 16-song CD. The ballad of two single-parent neighbors and how they battle the common fear of fearing to try is filled with visual lyrics. You don't need a TNN video to see the story; Byrd's words lead you through a beautiful four-minute journey you'll want to take again and again.

The CD opens with "Where I Am," one a lot of folk can claim as the way they also feel: "Too much concrete/ Too much stuff for sale/ Too much traffic/ Way too many jails . I think I better stay right where I am." It's a solid piece of chocolate, satisfying and a good start into the box.

"Old Woebegone" is chewy nougat, the story of a wanderer. It gives Richard Stokes' fiddle and Mark Rice's banjo opportunities to get a nice workout. Rice, who is a regular part of Byrd's live performances, also plays mandolin on the CD, with "Good Love Bad" showcasing his talent on that instrument.

The attacks on America on September 11, 2001 had an effect on us all, and Byrd is no exception. He takes the high ground, making note of the event, but focusing more on the spirit and solidarity of our country: "We know our brothers in New York City/ They don't need our tears or pity/ We'll help them right that wrong in our good time/ We'll fight to keep them safe from harm/ And stand beside them arm to arm/ 'Cause the Heartland's not a place, it's a state of mind."

It's worthy of note that just like that napkin you need when you're really enjoying chocolates, a tissue or two should be at hand when listening to "Stolen Kisses." Whether you like the instrumental support, the vocals, the words - or any combination - Byrd is going to "get you" with something.

It may be a memory of young love, the inspiration of pride in country, family and friends, or just enjoyment of some tasty harmonica (courtesy of Bob Wheeler), but he will get you, genuinely and sincerely.

If Chevrolet doesn't grab "One Set of Heartbeats" for its "Heartbeat of America" promotion, it should steal Kristan Hassler as its vocalist. Her voice fits like hand in glove with Byrd's music on several songs, including "Is It Good For You," where Hassler's voice is smoother than the finest chocolate the Swiss can produce.

In "Where I Am," Byrd sings, "We only write graffiti that we all understand." That's a good statement on Mick's stuff - you understand his meaning, you understand his words. He also has crafted songs that allow you to hear - and enjoy - his musicians. Holly Hobbs (also on piano) and Rice provide harmony vocals. In addition to Rice, Stokes and Wheeler, Mark Atkins Lieberman plays several instruments, and Todd Bock provides the percussion. Byrd and Rice also provide the acoustic guitars.

Your "taste" for the story song "Referees" will depend on how you feel about basketball. If it's just another game to you, it will probably seem a "nice little tune, kind of funny." But if as many winter evenings as you can spare are spent in high school gymnasiums, a fan living and dying with every tick of the scoreboard clock, this is clearly the way it is. "Referees" is another excellent example of Byrd's storytelling abilities.

There is a certain bittersweetness as you near the end of a box of chocolates, and so it is with "Stolen Kisses" as well. "Sail On, Love" is flat out pretty. There are synonyms that could replace it, but pretty, per the American Heritage College Dictionary, is "pleasing or attractive in a graceful or delicate way." And that, my friends, is "Sail On, Love."
 

Byrd's lead vocals come across soft yet firm, with the harmony of Hobbs and Rice wafting in beautifully over the variety of nice supporting instruments. This song is simply way too short.
 

And last but not least is "Her," a romantic, happy song - a real toe-tapper.

Mick Byrd's latest CD, "Stolen Kisses," is a real treat. Lend him your ears.

 

John Mier occasionally writes for the Linn, Mo newspaper "Unterrified Democrat"

(this is not a joke, that's really the name of the paper.    really!)