"HOT CHICKEN WISDOM"

MusicFestNews.com

Hot Chicken Wisdom: Rich Mahan’s Second album Hot Off the Nashville Grill

There’s a thing about “comedy music” that reminds me of the great Sir Isaac Asimov, the prolific author and scientist. In addition to his books on science, fantasy, mystery, and science fiction, he also penned three books full of lecherous limericks. In each of the three volumes, Asimov was careful to explain that a limerick of this sort must be vulgar but that it must be more clever than it is vulgar.

So it goes with successful comedy music. It must certainly be amusing if not uproariously funny, but it will fall flat if the music doesn’t also entertain. Rich Mahan understands this concept perfectly. His second album, Hot Chicken Wisdom, was released in June and is the perfect follow-up to his 2012 debut Blame Bobby Bare, the one with such memorable titles as “Overserved in Alabam” and “Mama Found My Bong.”

Chances are you haven’t heard of Mahan before. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, here is this guy with an album at the top of the Relix radio charts. So we thought we’d take a dive into his new album. Mahan works out of Nashville, and the liner notes are slammed with talent spilling out everywhere. Importantly, the album pays homage to his most influential mentor, the late Brian ‘Brain’ Harrison. In the liner notes, Mahan explains:

Brian Harrison was the first person I met after moving to Nashville who made me feel like I could fit in here. He had mastered the ‘Everyday is Saturday’ routine, and he introduced me to the finer things Music City had to offer, including how to enjoy a 40 at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack and where to get empanadas down Nolensville Pike after hitting the used music stores.

We recorded my album Blame Bobby Bare over at his studio, the Rendering Plant, and we were getting ready to start on its follow-up when he unexpectedly passed from a heart attack. It put everyone in his orbit into a tailspin, and for me the recording process took a back seat to playing live until the desire to complete these recordings had healed.

In my mind, the songs on this album are all connected to Brain in some way; some were songs of mine that made him laugh or were written after hearing one of his spit-take-worthy stories. His one-of-a-kind vernacular, his colorful phrases, and his take on life and how to live it are all here in these songs. Brain had Hot Chicken Wisdom.”

Mahan’s lyrical abilities span the wide gap between riotously amusing and practically perverse with plenty of room for real sentiment as well.

“Boots Off” reminds his would-be partner that “I would only take my boots off for you,” but that’s only after the country rock song makes clear this point:

If you let a fox in the henhouse, baby,
There’s gonna be feathers everywhere.

Well, she was warned. He even admits, “I’ve never kept a dollar past sunset.” Mahan handles all the electric guitar work (with one exception), and Eric Stroud (drums, percussion) and Chelvis Childers (bass) each play on seven of the eleven tracks on the album.

There is a distinct bounce to “Daydrinking,” appropriately. Mahan rips on guitar. He points out that:

We started off with tall boys at 9 a.m.
We moved to margaritas by half past ten.

It’s likely you’ll laugh until you cry with “Tick on My Taint” (unless perhaps you can relate). This is a bouncy country pop tune with some unforgettable images created:

I got a tick on my taint. Sounds funny but it ain’t.
That little sucker’s vampire-feeding off my DNA!

“I Smoke Pot” begins softly with acoustic guitar but then twists into a country ballad about the various and sundry vices the storyteller indulges, with this admission: “I’d be surprised to find out about something I didn’t do.” This is the first song to feature a backing vocal chorus (including David Gans).

Time to get down and dirty with “Hot Chicken & an Ice-Cold 40.” Country blues pour out featuring P.T. Gazell on harmonica, talking about where such prized items can be found: “We’re movin’ to the suicide-part-of-town zip code.”

“Stoned as a Roman Slave” was one of Brain’s go-to phrases, and this short tune just provides a vamp with a lovely gospel chorus piled on top, highlighted by David Ralston’s dobro.

“Hippie in the City” is self-explanatory, coming to grips with the urban scene. This is a straight-up country dance tune, and it’s the second one featuring fine backing vocals from Bekka Bramlett (also in the aforementioned gospel chorus). Gazell also returns for this one.

The Robert Hunter/Jerry Garcia composition “Loose Lucy” (of Grateful Dead fame) was the last song recorded at the Rendering Plant before Brain passed. This is a faithful reading of the tune, including some fine steel guitar work from Robby Turner. With Hunter’s recent passing, this song becomes even more meaningful, and of course the humor inherent in the song is squarely in Mahan’s wheelhouse.

“To Love Somebody” reminds you of Joe Cocker working in front of a band and chorus; it’s a country-tinged version of the song by the Brothers Gibb, with Ralston on dobro and Ditch Kurtz on pedal steel.

You can grab a delicious cup of sentimentality with “Coffee in the Morning” and “tea in the afternoon.” Gazell is back again on harmonica as the tune bounces along languidly.

The album closes with a lovely take on the Chuck Prophet song “Open Up Your Heart,” and we are treated to some lovely singing from Mahan, Bramlett, and Rian Greene, who also adds acoustic guitar here.

Mahan manages to stuff all of that into 34 minutes and a little CD box, but it explodes like a can of fake snakes every time you open it, creating joy, laughter, and one darn good time.

- Scott Hopkins

The Daily Ripple

Music Review - Hot Chicken Wisdom

Rich Mahan doesn’t mess around. On his sassy sophomore set, Hot Chicken Wisdom, this Nashville-based guitar slinger, and an all-star supporting cast spin forward at full throttle, never allowing any undue sentiment to stand in the way. The result is a kick-butt collection of songs that celebrate the joys of life and advantages of living to the fullest, expectations and propriety be damned. In essence, the song titles tell it all. Indeed, selections such as “Boots Off,” “Day Drinking,” “I Smoke Pot,” “Stoned as a Roman Slave,” and “Loose Lucy” -- the latter a Grateful Dead cover culled from the album Mars Hotel -- leave little doubt as to their subjects or sensibilities.

Which is just fine of course. For the most part, the songs are steered by an exceedingly funky groove, a slow sprawl or simply an easy saunter. A countrified take on the vintage Bee Gees classic “To Love Somebody” provides one of only two real exceptions, but here again, Mahan’s good old boy persona dominates the sound overall. Closing track “Open Up Your Heart” is the other genuinely emotional offering, a plea to a reticent lover to respond to an earnest entreaty.

Yet for all Mahan’s rowdy resolve, there is some search for solace residing at the album’s core. He notes in the liner notes that just prior to its recording, producer Brian “Brain” Harrison, a man Mahan considered his mentor ever since his arrival in Music City, died suddenly from a heart attack. Consequently, he dedicated the effort to his memory. Notably, he eschews any sense of sadness or sobriety but instead focuses on a cocksure attitude and all the other attributes that contribute to an individual’s ability to remain calm and carefree. 

That, then, becomes the essence of real wisdom in Mahan’s opinion -- simply striving to have a good time and offer up a real hoot and holler at every opportunity.  Don’t expect any grand revelations or serious soliloquies to intrude.On the other hand, that’s not to negate any takeaway.  Those that indulge ought to find Hot Chicken Wisdom a truly tasty and teachable experience regardless.

-Lee Zimmerman

"Blame bobby bare"

Americana Gazette

Good songwriting seems to attract prominent session musicians like moths to a flame.  The chemistry that develops can be magic.  In the case of Rich Mahan’s Solo Debut; “Blame Bobby Bare” there is no shortage of magic.  Providing background vocals is Bekka Bramlett, a solo artist, former member of Fleetwood Mac and daughter of ‘70’s rockers Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett.  Songs feature distinguished studio musicians such as P.T. Gazell on Harmonica, and “man of Steel” Robby Turner on Pedal Steel Guitar.  Other studio musicians include Aaron Beavers, Bryan Owings on drums, and Nashville super-picker, JD Simo.

‘Blame Bobby Bare’ should be listened to just a little more on the loud side.  The two other elements that might enhance the listening experience are a boatload of beer and a bottle of tequila.  The songs are upbeat and the lyrics are witty and to the point.  I liked the story behind the album title and rather than spoil it, I think I’ll let you pick up the CD on your own to find out what I’m talking about.  You can’t listen to this music and not put a smile on your face.

My High School Communications teacher told us that you need to listen to an album (those round vinyl things) at least five times before you ‘psychologically’ enjoy an album.  Now that I’m much older than the age of my teacher at the time, I can tell you he was wrong.  I was thoroughly enjoying ‘Blame Bobby Bare’ at the second playing.  If you enjoy pure country with a twist of hemp – this just might be the best CD you pick up this year.

- David Mathias

Midwest Record Review

SNORTIN HORSE

RICH MAHAN/Blame Bobby Bare: When Bare left RCA for CBS, he made some of the coolest, under rated outlaw country records that still sound new today, partly because they were barely heard at all back then. They were heard by Mahan's pop who would decompress after work having a great time hearing those records. And it influenced Mahan. And he's not ashamed to admit it. Screw all that mush mouthed ‘in the tradition of', ‘influenced by' and all that bio page garbage the talent impaired over rely on. Mahan owns it. This stuff was injected in his DNA and it's time some props were given by someone other than Bobby Bare Jr. Meanwhile, these are mostly originals that were just as influenced by Shel Silverstein as Bare, but because Mahan gives it his own voice it works and it never feels derivative. I hope Mahan's pop likes it and that Bare hears it and returns the favor. You should hear it too. Insidious, contemporary outlaw to the max. Check it out.

Music News Nashville

As a child, Rich Mahan recalls how the free and easy sounds of Bobby Bare helped to serve as a healing stream of sorts to his father when he would get stressed. For his latest album, the California transplant name-checks Bare for the title, but also that quirky and irreverent style that he personified in his recordings.

Stylistically, Mahan shows his blues influence all over the place. There’s a hard driving sound to the opener, “Math,” and Mahan knocks it out of the ballpark with his sense of humor. It is a downright blast to listen to, and Mahan pulls it off with a heavy dose of charms.

He strikes a soulful tone on the Kid Rock-ish “Favorite Shirt,” which has gotten quite a bit of attention as of late, as he also does on “Money In The Bank.”

Mahan proves himself to be a top-notch singer, as evidenced on the cut “Tequila Y Mota,” but it’s his songwriting that I think is the most appealing aspect of this album. Kudos to him for writing “The Hills of South Dakota,” after all, the state doesn’t get a lot of musical airtime, does it? Maybe the best pair of songs on the album are the totally irreverent and politically incorrect “Mama Found My Bong” and “Rehab’s For Quitters.” The above-mentioned cuts showcase Mahan’s genius as a tunesmith.

Ironically, the song that might have the best chance for airplay is one from the Bare catalog, a late 70s gem titled “Put A Little Lovin’ On Me.” I could see this being really big in the Americana/ Texas market. I can’t wait to hear more from Mahan. He’s got the vocal chops, the writing, and the humor to pull them off. Take a listen to this, you’re going to love it!

- Chuck Dauphin

Ctrl. Alt. Country

At the word: Rich Mahan, one two years ago in Nashville perched “Golden State Refugee”, you perhaps know as one of the founders of the still not so very long ago also been addressed Shurman. “Blame Bobby Bare” is his solo debut. And that was not only an appropriate title it, it realizes certainly in the introduction to this piece by the man himself goals. “Blame Bobby Bare” appears in the final analysis because indeed good for building a small party. It appears here to be a potent mix of elements from country and rock, which frequently takes the listener on a pleasant “trip down Memory Lane”, towards the heyday of Bare and other mid seventies popular outlaws. Top moments are taking our opinion unquestionably the showy with Tex-Mex flirtatious “Tequila y Mota”, the nice rocking couple “Money In The Bank” and “Overserved In Alabam”, it really rete-catching, with immediate attention indent harmonica PT Gazell blessed “The Hills Of South Dakota,” funny “Rehab’s For Quitters” and the only cover here, with the Bobby Bare – Who else? – Borrowed “Put A Little Lovin ‘On Me”. Nice album!

Americana Daily

Rich Mahan says "Blame Bobby Bare" for his solo debut!

Nashville guitarist/singer-songwriter Rich Mahan will release his solo debut BLAME BOBBY BARE on January 22nd, 2013. For the album’s 10 songs, Mahan delivers barstool tales with a wicked grin, peppering his mix of rock and country with tasteful contributions from several of Music City’s legendary session players.

Mahan recorded BLAME BOBBY BARE at the Rendering Plant in Nashville with producer Brian Harrison (Shelby Lynne). The songs include performances by celebrated studio musicians like harmonica master P.T. Gazell, who played for years with Johnny Paycheck, and pedal steel guitarist Robby “Man of Steel” Turner, who’s worked with everyone from Waylon Jennings to Frank Sinatra. The familiar voice heard singing background through much of the album is Bekka Bramlett, a solo artist, former member of Fleetwood Mac and daughter of ’70s rockers Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Other friends on the record include Aaron Beavers from Shurman, Bryan Owings on Drums (Emmylou Harris, Delbert McClinton, Tony Joe White), and Nashville Superpicker, JD Simo.

All agreed to join Mahan in the studio after hearing his songs, which evoke the vivid storytelling, rowdy sound and hedonistic impulses of outlaw country in the ’70s. That influence helps shape tracks like “Mama Found My Bong,” “Rehab’s for Quitters” and “Tequila Y Mota.” As you would expect from its title, one of the album’s primary influences is Bobby Bare. This legendary country artist’s string of hits spans three decades and ranges from the playful (“Tequila Shelia,” “Quaaludes Again”) to the poignant (“Streets of Baltimore,” “How I Got to Memphis.”) For this album, Mahan chose to cover “Put A Little Lovin’ On Me,” a hit for Bare in 1976 from his album The Winner and Other Losers.

 “Growing up, I remember how stressed out my dad would get from work. But on the weekends, he would cut loose and crank up these great records by Bobby Bare. He would dance around the living room playing air guitar to ‘Tequila Sheila’ and ‘Dropkick Me Jesus Through The Goalposts of Life.’ Those songs made him forget about his troubles and just have a good time. I wanted to tap into that power and make a record that makes people feel good. So if you wonder where I got the inspiration to write the songs on this album, you can Blame Bobby Bare!” - Rich Mahan

Sun 209 Review

Rich Mahan’s solo debut Blame Bobby Bare is fun and sometimes just goofy (“Mama Found My Bong,” “Rehab’s For Quitters”), but it’s the soulful “Favorite Shirt” with back-up vocals from Bekka Bramlett that will stick with you. From Snortin’ Horse Records.

Keys and Chords Review

(Google translation from Dutch to English)

This young man grew up in St. Louis and Los Angeles and swapped the piano for guitar after he was confronted with scenes of wild female fans at a concert by a local band that covered 'Since You've Been Gone' by Rainbow.

Fortunately, Rich also listened to other music such as the blues of BB and other Freddie King and Albert, besides boisterous garage rock of include The Standells and as a child of his time was not impervious to the Britpop of The Jam. Grateful Dead opened his young ears for more adventurous musical horizons. His uncles assured him that he would ever be a country adept.

Meanwhile Mahan was mainly busy with surfing on the Atlantic coast and was one of the co-founders of alt-country band Shurman. I knew I knew that name from somewhere, but Mahan dropped out of the group had a record deal. In 2010 he moved to music city Nashville.

The title of this debut refers to the images that young Mahan remembers. Images of a stressed father who returns home exhausted from work. At the weekend showed Mahan Senior steam and danced the jig to the music of the unsurpassed Bobby Bare. Rich took himself in the footsteps and make music that people feel good. This effect gesorteert 'Blame Bobby Bare' advance to the undersigned. Just listen to the opening song 'Math', catchy piano and a laidback guitar supporting the vocals flanked by a young lady voice that belonged to Bekka Bramlett, daughter of the legendary Delaney & Bonnie. Reportedly heard Rich B.B. as a teenager ever sing long before he met her back. Figure there are other musicians he played in his youth. Thus the harmonica show you in The Hills Of South Dakota 'hear from PT Gazell, then actively with Johnny Paycheck. Pedal Steel and Dobro King Bobby Turner is also of the party.

"Tequila y Mota 'would not be in the repertoire of Doug Sahm unbecoming and not just because of the "hey senoritas" and "tequilas" you fly around, the accordion or drunken Mariachi trumpet. "Favorite Shirts" is just another supercooled country rocker with soulful sultry again ooh's and aah's from Bekka. After perhaps an empty promise, "I'll Get Off The Booze 'gives the talented Bramlett scion Mahan again vocal assistance in a fine interpretation of" Put A Little Love On Me "This hit from the seventies for Bobby Bare in which illustrious country and other musical icons pass sums it all together again.

A good old-fashioned sounding and varied album and we take Bobby Bare nothing amiss contrary.

His uncle's where damn right! Rich Mahan has grown into a great countryman but without the limitations of a strictly more varied musical idiom.

- Cis Van Looy

Rootstime

(Google translation from Dutch to English)

In 2010 settled Rich Mahan spread from California to Nashville, Tennessee to be there seriously going to collapse on songwriting and his passion for country music. On the west coast was his contribution so far been quite modest, though he was one of the co-founders of the alt. country band Shurman. In his early years he left the piano to guitar and discovered the blues, garage rock and new wave, but was especially touched by the eclectic music of The Grateful Dead. This discovery explained his love for the country exposed, again provided by the fact that his father at the weekend went completely unrelated to the work of country legend Bobby Bare.

Now, two years after its establishment in Nashville, Mahan comes with his debut Blame Bobby Bare. We need Bobby Bare nothing to blame, because this album is one of a very big promise. A record that immediately after the first spin complacency lingers in the memory and you do already longing for a sequel.

Mahan knows how to Blame Bobby Bare to surround with mere musicians. Thus Bekka Bramlett, former member of Fleetwood Mac and daughter of ’70s duo Delany and Bonnie Bramlett, expanded to admire. Bekka has a divine, with a sharp edge surrounded backing vocal at its disposal a number as Favorite Shirt, a song with absolute hit potential by infectious mix of rock and soul, that extra know how to give.

Money In The Bank grandiose dominated by none other than JD Simo, one of Nashville’s biggest guitar pickers and knows his slide with a grand atmosphere drop that makes you think back to the compelling album Bring The Family John Hiatt. JD Simo is again masterfully seasoned with humor Rehab’s For Quitters where he expanded his talent knows picker to display. This number is also PT Gazell on harp to hear played for years with none other than Johnny Paycheck.

Blame Bobby Bare in style with Bobby Bare’s Put A Little Lovin ‘On Me 1976 Mahan who inherits more pace and in a southern rock jacket is poured. A jacket with style, because Mahan’s version should be there. Put A Little Lovin ‘On Me by Mahan and Bramlett to high altitude driven by the beautiful and balanced vocal work, without prejudice to the original.

Mahan thus makes a very nice debut with Blame Bobby Bare. A plate that also makes clear that Mahan excellent singer-songwriter has properties and its preference for a warm, authentic and analog studio sound he knows Bobby Bare Blame the right content to provide. Blame Bobby Bare houses Nashville’s most pretentious promise from 2012.

- Ferenc Koolen

Rocktober Magazine

(Snortin Horse) Bless Bobby Bare! Well, always bless him, but this time specifically bless him for inspiring this fun, well-crafted, countrified outsider Opry music album. And while you’re at it, blame and bless David Allan Coe, Vince Gill, Shel Silverstein, Kinky Friedman, and even Jimmy Buffett. I love you Mahan!

- Waymon Timbsdale

Johnny’s Garden

Rich Mahan: Blame Bobby Bare

Submitted by Rein on 26. December 2012 - 11:21

If you would like to define Americana, then you come to a flow characterized by the mix, but also the combination of a wide range of influences from various traditional basic styles. The term Americana is perhaps not so long in use, but the process of this music form was a while, and the form will also in the future the possible deformations undergone. Rich Mahan was in that same musical melting pot and has dived there the necessary flavors fished. I would not like hardcore Mahan Americana regard, he is confined to a smooth and enjoyable-the-ear shape. Tradition is nice, he seems to be saying, but dwell too much is not good. He then also smoothly rumbles by Blame Bobby Bare. He takes a dash of Blues, Rock adds some add, here and there a fatty dot Country, then a blazer here, what stem and slide it et voilà: Ready is Rich! Tequila y Mota takes a dive on the Mexican border, and then on a soulful way a sensual suggestion explained to Do in My Favorite Shirt. The supporting vocals from Bekka Bramlett blending perfectly into the atmosphere of this musical striptease. Beautiful song!

With my youngest son I have agreed that the next time we are in south America, we are going to rent a Dodge Charger. A car with almost more than car bonnet, slippers which guarantee optimal handling and a heavy roaring engine sound for you to say. Blame Bobby Bare in the playback completes the imagination when we then drive through the American landscape. Rich Mahan may not have the dramatic impact of someone like JJ Grey & Mofro, but maneuvers somewhat in that direction. Money in the Bank is also the least depth, and that is far from the intent. This is about axioms as beer in the fridge and money in the bank. In the inside of the CD sleeve Rich Mahan recalls how his father stressed the week called off steam at the weekend. He went off his roof by extra loud music of Bobby Bare play. Danced around the room and played air guitar in songs like Tequila Sheila and Dropkick Me Jesus Through the Goal Posts of Life. With that underlying intention was to make this record. If you do not like it then you simply give Bobby Bare debt. A clear issue: heredity! The music was written by Rich himself, except seeded Put a Little Lovin 'on Me (Bob McDill).

Maverick UK

Rich Mahan BLAME BOBBY BARE Snortin Horse Records 009

Impressive album that ticks all the right boxes for me …

A former and founding member of rock- country band Shurman, Rich Mahan’s solo debut is a pure delight from beginning to end. He tells us in the short liner-notes that his father used to play Bobby Bare records at full volume and that helped to inform the music you’ll hear here. He’s not talking about the country-folk Bare records of the 1960s, but the Silverstein and McDill-penned stuff of the 1970s that produced such great hits as Tequila Sheila and The Winner. He even closes this set with McDill’s Put A Little Lovin’ On Me, a minor success for Bare in 1976, but deserving of a top ten placing. At no time does Mahan ape the Bare style; he doesn’t need to. He’s a damn fine songwriter himself, and his vocal style is totally his very own, ranging from humorous when the song demands it, occasionally deadpan, and quite soulful at others.

There is also a nice variety of musical genres as you will hear with Favorite Shirt being pure southern soul employing r&b styled choruses (courtesy of Bekka Bramlett), swaggering slide guitar, soulful Hammond lines and rhythmic rhythm to die for. Money In The Bank moves more into southern rock, again with JD Simo’s slide to the fore and Randy Leago’s piano pounding away in the background. Overserved In Alabam is the kind of song you might expect to hear on a Dr Hook album, the harmonica-driven The Hills Of South Dakota takes us down the trail of Confederate Railroad and Rehab’s For Quitters, with Robby Turner’s Dobro blending with PT Gazell’s harmonica is pure vintage Bare magic—now that’s quite a collection.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the hilarious Tequila Y Mota, with Turner on pedal steel blending in with Arlan Oscar on accordion and Steve Herman adding Mariachi trumpets on this drunken romp. Overall, this is an impressive solo debut from Rich Mahan that, through the childhood memories of Bobby Bare and his own undoubted talents, could very well be his breakthrough.

- Alan Cackett

Country Music People

As a teenager in the 70s I recall hearing Bobby Bare played regularly by Bob Powel on his Radio London show, and seeing him on the highlights from the Wembley Country Festivals on BBC2. I thought Tequila Sheila was really cool, and still do,

and generally prefer the Shel Silverstein years to the earlier Detroit City stuff, so I can relate to Rich Mahan remembering his dad dancing around the living room to Tequila Sheila and Dropkick Me Jesus Through The Goalposts Of Life. Mahan says, “if you wonder where I got the inspiration for these songs, you can blame Bobby Bare!” hence the album title.

The thing is, Silverstein was an absolute one-off genius songwriter and a tough act to follow but Mahan nails his style of writing on Tequila Y Mota, the most Bobby Bear of all the tracks here. Mama Found My Bong is also a lot of fun, while Rehab’s For Quitters, with its referencing of vintage bumper stickers is even better and channels the Bobby Bare spirit.

The best track for me though is Favorite Shirt, which is not really like Bobby Bare at all. It’s soulful and bluesy, with a great groove and a wonderful melody and that possibly is where the album falls down. You can only really blame Bobby Bare for three or four of the tracks, which is fine, but the rest of the tracks sound as if they’d be much better played live in a bar, and where I think I’d enjoy them much more.

Mahan is an interesting writer, and as a debut this is quite an impressive piece of work. It has names like Bekka Bramlett on board for the project but it was the title of the album that drew me to it in the first place, and generic blues fodder like Money In The Bank doesn’t really do it for me. To be fair, the press release does call it a “freewheeling country-rock album about love and liquor”, trouble is, to my mind that goes a little against the title. The good tracks are really good but half of it I wouldn’t be in a rush to hear again… unless I were in a bar.

- Duncan Warwick

Lonesome Highway

Rich Mahan ‘Blame Bobby Bare’ – Snortin’ Horse

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2013 AT 10:36AM

The title of Rich Mahan’s debut solo album is explained in a short sleeve note that tells of his Dad’s stress-breaking routine of playing country songs at home like Tequila Shelia, songs that had a beat, some bounce and not a little humour. Mahan has recorded Blame Bobby Bare in Nashville and co-produced it with Brian Harrison. It is recorded with a warm analog sound which is perfectly suited to the music’s 70′s outlaw country ambience.

Though all but one of the songs (Bob McDill’s Put A Little Lovin’ On Me) are written by Mahan throughout, they feel so familiar you feel you have known them a long time. They feel easy and are enjoyable slices of a soulful country that seems to have largely been eradicated from the airwaves.

There are some top-notch players involved here too. PT Gazell’s harmonica playing adds the same kind of colour as it did when was he was playing with Johnny Paycheck. Steel player Robby Turner is a legend and there are a bunch of other fine players involved which include the solid rhythm section of Bryan Owings and David Phenecie. Add to that some sterling guitar, keyboard and brass playing and you have an album that’s sounds damn good. But without a vocalist that has the strength to hold it all together you may not have the whole enchilada.

But no worries here, as Mahan has the voice to carry the frontman role with ease, giving each of the songs the right feel. From the mariachi trumpet /accordion enhanced humour of Tequila Y Mota – a great track detailing a weekend bender. Favourite Shirt is about a call to locate the missing titular item that leads to something more rewarding. Mama Found My Bong is a pretty self explanatory story of teenage misadventure. Drink holds a prominent role in many of Mahan songs especially Rehab’s For Quitters and I’ll Get Of The Booze.

There is a soulful Southern element here too when Bekka Bramlett joins Mahan on several songs and making a sterling contribution to the vocals. You might blame Bobby Bare for thi, s but you can also thank him for being the inspiration for Rich Mahan. This is a easy-fitting favourite shirt of an album that even if you are new to it will soon feel like that warm and worn garment. Try it on – see how well it fits.

Country Jukebox – Munich Germany

With his solo debut Blame Bobby Bare the singer / songwriter and guitarist RICH MAHAN proves sustainable, in the 60′s and 70 years of success, Bobby Bare is one of those country artists of exemplary character. Mahan, who has worked as a sideman for an illustrious group of different acts, connects to his rehearsed in Nashville CD the best of Country, Twang, alt.country and Americana for an irresistible mix. Everything sounds refreshing handmade. Another plus is the participation of the singer Bekka Bramlett, which enriches the album with her eautiful voice. Succeeded!

The Alternate Root

Rich Mahan is a Roots music Buddha whose songs always makes sure the faithful leave with a grin on their respective faces after an encounter with his latest album release, Blame Bobby Bare. The opening track, “Math”, follows a character that plays the lead role in many of Rich’s songs. He is a guy who clearly means well, even if the end result does not completely fall onto the plus side. A life of figures plays like a movie where the final scene always goes right back to high school and the line, “it was my understanding there would be no math”. When he runs out of fingers, he is out of answers.

Blame Bobby Bare is a bouncy, sometimes bumpy, ride through ten tracks that have their sight set on having a good time. High school dilemmas make a return appearance on “Mama Found My Bong” as a young football player comes home to a surprise in the center of his bed. Dirty looks and ‘wait ‘til your father gets home” build the case for trouble as twangy guitar licks chase the story line. Lovable guys love their brew and a quartet of Blame Bobby Bare tunes stew themselves in alcohol. “Rehab Is For Quitters” thumbs its nose at slogans,  “Overserved in Alabam” leaves the bar with a slurred goodbye and “I’ll Get Off the Booze” makes the promise that the deal is “I’ll get off the booze when you get off my back”. Drinking alone steps aside as “Tequila Y Mota” introduces us to a group of weekenders heading for the man cave with one goal in mind,  “let’s make this weekend a dive in the deep end”.

Existing relationships take a hit in “Put A Little Lovin’ on Me” as celebrity crushes are weighed against real life and the poor sucker whose body wears different faces reminds his love interest that “Ringo Starr didn’t pay for your car” and “Johnny Cash never took out your trash”. A morning after phone call becomes one damn sexy song in “Favorite Shirt” as our hero dials last night’s party house to inquire about the loss of some clothing to find that the hostess has indeed found the item, and is currently wearing it…..and that is all she is wearing.

Explaining the album title in the liner notes for Blame Bobby Bare, Rich Mahan tells the tale, “Growing up, I remember how stressed out my dad would get form work. On the weekends, he would cut loose and blow of some steam by cranking up these great records by Bobby Bare. He would dance around the living room playing air guitar to “Tequila Sheila” and “Dropkick My Jesus Through the Goalposts of Life”. These songs made him so happy. I wanted to tap into that power and make a record that makes people feel good. So if you wonder where I got the inspiration for these songs, you can Blame Bobby Bare.”

Lonestar Time – Italy

Rich Mahan is this his album entitled "Blame Bobby Bare" the debut solo record, after a good apprenticeship in St. Louis, Los Angeles and Nashville, alt-country experiences in the field with the band Shurman of which he was co-founder and the roots right with a penchant for the 'outlaws' of country music including David Allan Coe, Kinky Friedman, Johnny Paycheck and Bobby Bare precisely. Ten songs that can be enjoyed in a 'sip', ten examples of an artistic journey that make this album a point of arrival and at the same time start to a career that can be reserved for Rich Mahan great satisfaction. Nothing is left to chance, from the manufacturer, that Brian Harrison (formerly with Shelby Lynne) that manages to bring out the qualities of composition and interpretation of Rich, providing a number of excellent musicians, the pedal steel Robby Turner, protagonist of a thousand sessions, harmonica PT Gazell for years behind Johnny Paycheck, the voice of Bekka Bramlett, daughter of Delaney & Bonnie to large battery Bryan Owings (Emmylou Harris, Delbert McClinton and Tony Joe White), the excellent guitarist JD Simo. One cover this, inevitably Bobby Bare, a clear cover of "Put A Little Lovin 'On Me" which was a hit in 1976 from the album "The Winner And Other Losers" and the rest of the songs are all signed by Rich Mahan passing with brilliant natural hues of mexican "Tequila y Mota" the classic 'outlaw style' of "Mama Found Me A Bong", sounds reminiscent of the Band "Overserved In Alabam" the jaunty "The Hills Of South Dakota "between country and southern sounds (with the inimitable harmonic Gazell PT). "Money In The Bank", with beautiful slides JD Simo is another of the most positive of the disc, as well as the irresistible charm 'outlaw' of "Rehab's For Quitters" (with the dobro Robby Turner highlighted) and of "I'll Get Off The Booze." "A Saturday night album of love songs for the barstool impaired" is the right definition of the 'mood' of this "Blame Bobby Bare", a successful job and highly recommended. www.richmahan.com.

- Remo Ricaldone

Flyinshoes review

Nashville singer-songwriter, guitarist Rich Mahan comes through with the intriguingly entitled Blame It On Bobby Bare for his solo debut where he is joined by a set of established musicians. Produced by Brain Harrison (Shelby Lynne) pedal steel ace, Robby Turner (Waylon Jennings etc), Bryan Owings (drums), P.T Gazell (harmonica) and bassist David Phenecie among others support Mahan.

Inspired by his father’s love of Bobby Bare’s 1970s recording output Mahan goes down a similar road to Bare and it works. This was when Bare was recording countless songs from Shel Silverstein and Bob McDill. ‘Put A Little Lovin’ On Me’ by the latter gains inclusion alongside Mahan’s own efforts. But it is the work of Silverstein loaded in entertaining humour that gains the greater foothold in Mahan's songwriting style. As he reels off ‘Mama Found My Bong’, rock’n’roll track ‘Math’ and ‘Tequila Y Mota’ (that contains of echoes of Bare’s hit ‘Tequila Sheila’), and then with full-blown electric guitar opening plus Hammond C3 (Bill Burke) complete with an honest to goodness party feel ‘The Hills Of South Dakota’.

Mahan’s ability to utilise humour in his work and at the same time create a set of finely penned songs earns him numerous repeat listens. As ‘Favourite Shirt’ and then with some striking playing piano and lead guitar ‘Money In The Bank’ coupled with sporty ‘Rehab’s For Quitters’ set the standard. The latter is highlighted by good harmony vocal and effective harmonica from Gazell plus a sing-a-long chorus that adds to the general feel good quality of the record. There are more noteworthy cuts too as JD Simo works up a head of steam on lead guitar on ‘I'll Get Off The Booze’; as a result it pops and fizzes like crazy.

Performed in the style not too far away from West Coast country of the late 1970s the title may be novel, but the music and songs are well past like or leave I fare. For Rich Mahan does have what it takes.

-Maurice Hope