Joe Henry - Tiny Voices

I liken Joe Henry to Van Morrison or Lyle Lovett. Not because they have a synonymous sound, but rather because they are mature artists. They’ve defined their musical niche, and their work sets the bar for others in the same category. However, by mature, I also mean they are what they are. Mature artists are proud of the identity they’ve created; therefore, they continually create polished albums with new songs that fit nicely into their musical canon. No big surprises from mature artists, just more concert material. And that’s what you get on Tiny Voices. For those of you who are not aware, Joe Henry is a jazzy singer-songwriter who prefers a piano and horns section to the guitar and harmonica. Tiny Voices streams superfluously through twelve tracks of soft jazz standards that accentuate Mr. Henry’s dominant instrument, his voice. Sometimes Joe Henry sounds like Randy Newman. Other times like Elvis Costello. Tiny Voices does an excellent job of creating musical layers so that each featured instrument has room to maneuver and improvise. While Joe Henry keeps a dark and deliberate pace with his husky voice, avant-garde clarinet and keyboard solos blanket the background. When listening to Tiny Voices, the astute listener will imagine Joe Henry playing to a small audience in a back alley jazz and blues club. Highlight tracks include: “This Afternoon,” “Dirty Magazine,” “Loves You Madly” and “Flesh and Blood,” which is the same track Joe Henry wrote for Solomon Burke’s Don’t Give Up On Me album. Tiny Voicesis not a disappointment for Joe Henry, nor is it a colossal achievement. If you’re unfamiliar with Mr. Henry’s work, it’s possible to initiate yourself with this album. If you’re a Joe Henry snob, then Tiny Voices will re-affirm what you have already come to expect. Joe Henry is a mature artist opting for comfort over curiosity. [www.joehenrylovesyoumadly.com]