Santa Maria, California native Chris Beland’s songs are part of a larger
story. They work, of course, as standalone compositions capable of
moving listeners, but they are important entries in the story of one
human being’s continued growth as a soul and individual. His rough,
rugged younger years prepared him for the redemption he enjoys today
and, when you encounter his music, those hard-won lessons inform every
line and note. His latest single “Return to Pooh” doesn’t bear the scars
of those days, far from it, but its very existence bears witness to the
road he's traveled to reach this place.
The song’s understated beauty is obvious from the first. Its acoustic
guitar driven arrangement emphasizes melody and light percussion, Beland
rapping on the guitar’s wooden body between instrumental lines, with
relaxed confidence. Structuring the arrangement around such a spartan
center aligns him with illustrious predecessors such as Neil Young, Cat
Stevens, Andrew Bird, and Bob Dylan, among others. It never sounds
crassly imitative, however. The folk singer/songwriter vibe emanating
from his work has effortless uplift for listeners.
His song glows thanks to top notch production as well. His vocals and
guitar work boast crystal clarity and a keen sense of auditory balance.
The effect of the song’s presentation encourages listeners to feel as if
Beland is singing for them alone, mere feet away. The intimacy of this
performance is startling and reassuring. Few showcase songs like this as
much as they once did and Beland sounds completely at home with this
performing model.
His voice isn’t alone. Scattered secondary vocals from a female backing
singer supplies the track with an ideal counterpoint. Beland’s instincts
for where to use that second voice are sharp. His vocal phrasing hinges
on melody and underlines the melodic merits of his guitar playing. The
lyrical content is unusual and stands out for several reasons. First,
writing about Christopher Robin and his creation Winnie the Pooh
suggests this is a children’s song. This isn’t the case. Second, the
wealth of specific detail woven throughout Beland’s writing helps the
song leap out for listeners. It captures your attention from the first
line and doesn’t let go.
He doesn’t drag out the composition. Beland tailors the song to a
manageable length rather than overextending its charms. There are no
extended instrumental breaks, the song doesn’t need them, and the cool
focus of the performance resists any self-indulgence. Few, if any,
modern songwriters are treading through the territory that Beland calls
his own. He isn’t remaking the idea of songwriting or musical
performance, it isn’t groundbreaking, but he’s fully invested in the
moment. The inspiration powering this single is undeniable.
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You’ll be pleased to hear this track and it invites multiple listens.
Chris Beland’s creativity is unique in a world of cookie-cutter music
and sparkles with the magic of art. This song from the forthcoming
CaliAmericana Volume II compilation, released by Santa Barbara Records,
is well worth your time.