Carbon Leaf 'Nothing Rhymes With Woman' album

Richmond, Virginia-based Carbon Leaf is now on tour in support of the quintet's excellent 2009 album "Nothing Rhymes With Woman." The band consists of: lead singer Barry Privett (who also plays penny whistle, acoustic guitar and bagpipes), Terry Clark (guitar, vocals), Carter Gravatt (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Jason Neal (drums) and Jon Markel (bass).

Carbon Leaf's previous full-length disc "Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat" was this writer's top album of 2006, beating out strong releases by Bruce Springsteen, Keane and Neil Young that year. "Nothing Rhymes With Woman" (released by Vanguard Records last month) reaffirms the band's greatness.

Songs such as the shimmering "Lake of Silver Bells," blues-minded "Another Man's Woman," introspective "Miss Hollywood" and Celtic rocker "Pink" showcase a band that clearly has established a unique place for itself in the musical universe.

Fans of Toad the Wet Sprocket, early R.E.M. and the Young Dubliners will all find something to admire in a troupe that blends folk-rock, Americana, power-pop and modern indie styles together effortlessly.

"For me, this album is about really getting back to the foundation as to why we started out as a band and really examining why we do what we do," explained Privett.

"A lot of the themes on the album explore the transition as you go through life and life is more complicated (as you get older) and how you retain those dreams and youthful spirit you had and still be able to allow yourself to grow and mature. And although your dreams perhaps alter as you go along, you learn that's OK."

Privett noted that although Carbon Leaf has undergone several personnel changes since the outfit was formed in the early 1990s, the artistic aim of the band has remained strong with a focus on songs that seamlessly explore a number of styles.

"The guys like to switch it off and Carter is a great multi-instrumentalist and the guys are very versed on different styles (of music)," Privett said.

"Our fan base really likes that about us that there are places for us to go and you're not watching a two-hour show where you're hearing the same thing over and over again. (And) It keeps us from getting bored. And I think the fact that the vocals kind of tie everything together gives it certain continuity within the different styles."

Privett said because of the countless number of concert choices that listeners have nowadays, Carbon Leaf is appreciative of the bond the band has with fans.

"The focus for us is creating that (musical) world and really focusing on our live show and our fan base because everything else that comes along whether it's licensing or radio, that's all great and definitely helps, but really at the end of the day it's got to be a one-on-one connection with people in the audience and that's going to be our life blood.

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Carbon Leaf - Nothing Rhymes With Woman