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Jack
Williams writes about David Olney
Hello Herve - and
everybody,
I'm with you, Herve.
David Olney is one of the greatest songwriters alive, in my opinion. His
being darker and more "unpolished" than most performers seems to
put a few people off - but not for long. In the concert series I ran in
Augusta, Georgia for four years, I had David play in a songwriters' round
with Larry Jon Wilson and myself. We had done a small tour together and
had come to enjoy our stark differences in style. Larry Jon was most
reknown as a writer in the late 60's and 70's, and is the best poet and
songwriter to ever come out of Georgia (another opinion). Just listening
to him talk all night is like hanging out with William Faulkner. His songs
are poignant, sumptuous and very much rooted in his Southern-American
heritage. |
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Our audience was familiar
with their native son, Larry Jon, and were very familiar with my music. But that
strange, dark, "scowling" guy in the third chair struck some people as
out of place. Larry Jon would start a round with his ultra-deep voice and warm
Southern manner. Then I would play one of my songs. The audience was extremely
appreciative. But they held their breath when the "scowling" new guy's
turn came up. After a few rounds, and after hearing "Jerusalem
Tomorrow", "The Road That General Lee Took", and "If It
Wasn't For The Wind", they were dumbstruck by the power of David Olney's
poetry and delivery. Anyone unfamiliar with this great writer's work would do
well to give it a listen. David's a good friend, but what I write here doesn't
spring from that bias. I loved his music years before I met him. And if anyone
foolishly requires commercial "credentials" before giving the
"scowling guy" a chance, check out recordings of David's songs by
Linda Ronstadt and Emmy Lou Harris. He's one of the best.
One other observation
about David: When he plays a show in Nashville (where he lives), at the
Bluebird, Douglas Corner, or wherever, the writers come in droves, pen and paper
in hand. But most of them being far lesser talents, usually go home empty-handed,
because their goal - being in that industry town - is to have songs recorded by
the stars, and David DOES NOT WRITE FOR THE STARS! He writes for himself and in
a way that would normally be UNACCEPTABLE to the recording industry. But the
"stars" have heard his songs and can't resist them... and record them
- Linda Ronstadt, Emmy Lou Harris, in spite of their being so non-formulaic. The
would-be wealthy songwriters find utter fascination with David and his work and
yet don't know how to "make use" of what they learn from him. That's
simply because one can't aspire to genius.
Thanks, Herve, for
mentioning David!
Take care,
Jack
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