Joseph Parsons: reviews (ENG +)

The Vagabond Tales
CD Review

OOR Magazine
(The Netherlands)

There was a moment that he seriously considered never to release a solo album again. His previous untitled CD (the 'Black Album') from 1999 was a hard and painful experience. Parsons’ adventurous journey through the dark corners of the human existence weighed heavily on his emotional household. During the next few years, Parsons was occupied with his collaborative projects Hardpan (Blue Rose Records) and the already disbanded 4 Way Street (Sanctuary Records).

These days, Parsons approaches things in a more thoughtful perspective. Although there are the occasional social shipwrecks and relationship dilemma’s to be handled, the sun is shining in his lyrics more often. Parsons’ very well written rootspop is carrying the big load on this album. Modestly funky or rocking, it’s captured in the solid arrangements and the crystal clear production. The cornerstones of this collection are the contemplative and beautiful ballads like “Angel”, “Mighty High” and “Silence”.
-Marcel Haerken
(Translation by Jan Janssen)

"...fragile soul trips..."
-Rolling Stone (Germany)

The Vagabond Tales
CD Review

Upstage Magazine
Asbury Park, NJ

'The Vagabond Tales', Parsons’ eighth European release, is an acoustic-electric album driven by his rock-solid songwriting and undeniable vocal talents. “This album is much more focused,” says Parsons, who self-produced the album. “I made sure not overproduce it, you know? I wanted to stay out of hyper-production mode.” Those unfamiliar with the songwriter can expect a self-described brand of “acoustic-rock film noir” at the live shows and on the new album. “Growing up I was influenced a lot by Neil Young, Cat Stevens, and Peter Gabriel,” remembers Parsons, who tours with a full electric band featuring drums, bass, and electric and acoustic guitars. “With the band, the shows are much more rock and roll.”
-Anthony D'Amato

"Inspirational."
-The Washington Post

Live In Europe
CD Review

Kinda Muzik
The Netherlands

Joseph Parsons learned a lot from the great songwriters of the past, and to the greatest of them he pays tribute on this live-album. Among his own fine compositions, the cover versions of 'Jokerman' (Bob Dylan), 'Rain' (Beatles), and 'Don't Let It Bring You Down' (Neil Young) shine like golden nuggets. Certainly these selections are no great risk, but with these songs he's on the can't go wrong. He is no innovator of the genre, rather he is a keeper of the beautiful. Live in Europe is an especially good choice for Parsons newcomers because you get a good summary of his released work so far. Almost the only point that causes criticism is the fact that the album sounds like it was recorded in the bath, but I don't think you can blame Parsons for that one.
-Smidi

"His expressive voice and seamless lyrics prove him to be an experienced dealer in emotions."
-Musik Express (Germany)

Lies...
CD Review

Performing Songwriter
USA

Well who needs major labels, anyway? As long as artists like Parsons can make well crafted albums like lies....DIY's (Do It Yourself's) will do just fine. This is a percussive-happy, groove laden effort. Parsons' lyrics aim straight for the heart and the mind but his music hits you somewhere around the hips.

'If I Only Had Enough Faith' features gospel style backing vocals and a tasty gut string guitar solo. The whole CD has a big feel, without sounding bombastic or over produced. All the better to go with his big ideas and sentiments. Like Marvin Gaye, The Clash or Sly & The Family Stone, Parsons likes to set his message for the masses to a beat the masses can move to. Check out 'Whether You Will (Or Whether You Won't)' and the title track for proof.

'She' beckons you to dim all the lights and slow dance around the living room floor. 'For You' is another adult love song with emotion tempered by caution.

Kudos to producer John Wicks, who builds up rather than buries Parsons tunes in dense textures and delirious rhythms. Parsons' Lies... is a delightful earful.