Steve Baker Too Much Is Never Enough (CD)

(Timezone) 10 tracks - digisleeve

The music of London-born harp player, singer and composer Steve Baker is as accomplished as it is stylistically diverse. He has long enjoyed an international reputation as an innovative pioneer on the diatonic harmonica. As a songwriter, he covers a broad stylistic spectrum ranging from Americana and country to blues, rock and even reggae. Whether it's snappy funk or dreamy ballads, Baker's pop sensibility always comes across clearly. His songs have catchy choruses, are deeply personal without using clichés, and somehow also seem very English.
His first two solo releases, Perfect Getaway (TZ 1473, 2018) and The Great Divide (TZ 1884, 2020), were recorded with an electric band and were suitably rocky. For his third solo album, Steve returns to his folk roots. With Too Much Is Never Enough, he presents a collection of mostly acoustic pieces, most of which were written during the pandemic. The new songs were recorded by Uli Kringler at MCE Studio 3 with Jeff Walker (double bass & vocals) and Robert Carl Blank (guitar & vocals), Heinz Lichius (drums) and Yogi Jockusch (percussion). Uli contributed additional guitar parts and Stefan Stoppok plays forest zither on two tracks, while Steve's daughter Gina sings harmony on one track.
The sound is reduced to the essentials, a gripping and rhythmically demanding combination of sparse instrumentation and three-part vocal harmonies. Characterized by great dynamics, the sound alternates between airy openness and rich density. Steve uses his unmistakable harp style to create elegantly crafted solo passages that are always at the service of the song. The result is an exciting, powerful and appealing overall sound that perfectly supports his haunting lyricism.
And that brings us to the lyrics. Baker's new songs radiate attitude. He makes no secret of his beliefs, with a collection of both political and deeply personal songs that relentlessly reflect and comment on our turbulent times. There is a certain similarity to the work of colleagues like Billy Bragg. With the exception of Bob Dylan's "I Dreamed I Saw Saint Augustine", all the songs are his own compositions. With Too Much Is Never Enough, Steve Baker comes closer to realizing his personal musical vision and presents his most uncompromising work to date.