Album Review: Chris Jones: Roadhouses and Automobiles (Stockfisch Records CD)

If you follow the artists on the Stockfisch label with more than just a passing interest, then "Chris Jones" will have been noticed as a guitarist appearing on the albums of many artists, including Sara K and Allan Taylor. Jones was also a very respectable vocalist as is testified by the albums he made. His passing away in 2005 due to cancer has left a void in the Stockfisch family and he will be sorely missed.

The title song tells of the longing for home that is part of touring if you are a musician. My family cannot understand why I don't always enjoy my business trips. To them it seems like fun. To me it represents hours waiting - for customs, departure, landing, custom clearance, taxis, hotel rooms and living out of a suitcase. No matter how well ironed, your clothes always end up looking like you have just put on a plastic shopping bag. And of course I just cannot sleep in a "strange" bed!

Thank You (RJ Reynolds) is a public comment on the dangers of smoking, something that the writer had a problem with until his death. Darlin' Cory is a cute and short traditional song, while The Last Fallen Leaf is the first of the instrumentals - good music does not often require lyrics to convey its meaning.

No Sanctuary Here states firmly that you can't expect mercy from most people, using two examples. The gap between rich and poor is growing wider by the day and not even a state of near-birth will guarantee a safe spot (Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem). Juan, Juanita and Miguel are staring through the fence at the border between Mexico and the USA. Theirs offers no hope at all (living hell) while the other side offers heaven. The irony of the song is that should the have-nots become too desperate they will cross the border to grab from the haves for themselves (time to kiss it all goodbye).

Fender Bender is the second instrumental and Jones here grabs the dobro, which he plays just as well as any guitar. God moves on the Water is a clear message to every individual. As much as water in the Bible signifies resurrected life it also spells death if you are careless (Noah), and so it is in more modern times (the Titanic). Human activity is to blame for much of the natural disasters that seem to occur with alarming frequency lately (floods, El Niño). Your only option is to put your hand in His and He will put you on dry land.

Set 'em up, Joe clearly states that this is a relationship gone wrong and that drowning your sorrows won't cause the problem to go away. I sense a deeply spiritual Jones in many of the songs on this album. Jolanda's Wedding March is the third of the instrumental pieces and Hoof Jelly takes an amusing look at some really strong tequila, not legally sold but available everywhere.

Don't need your Religion is a punishing song about religion, probably one of the most dangerous things one can get involved in. Whether it is Islam, Christianity or money, it won't save you. Without faith you're on your way to the burning place. The album ends with another song of rejection and a relationship gone wrong. Cold Creature shows just how treacherous a relationship can be. I like the "my way or the highway" bit!

While there is not really a single theme for the album, the overall sense of being let down is prevalent. Great work by Jones and his team and excellent production by Stockfisch Records. Recommended.