Live Songs & Stories

AMG Review of Live Songs & Stories

Zac Johnson
All Music Guide

Folk road dog David Wilcox has crisscrossed the country many times over, playing empty coffeehouses and packed folk festivals. His 2002 collection, Live Songs & Stories, documents these journeys, alternating live versions of his best-loved songs with the humorous introductions the singer/songwriter has become known for. Wilcox's brand of intimate contemporary folk was born to be performed live, and the unobtrusive interactions with his audience only make the music stronger. The intricate wordplay evident in his songs also shows up in his spoken explanations; his words flow almost like an energetic poetry slam, introducing the songs like a lo-fi version of VH1's Storytellers series and giving insight to the addictions of "Eye of the Hurricane" and his own inspirations in "Words Alone." The songs are sparsely but expertly performed (often just Wilcox's voice and guitar, occasionally augmented by Jake Armerding's gentle fiddle and backing vocals), and every track leaves the listener not only with a glimmer of insight into the performer's mindset, but also with undeniable hope and a kinder world-view. These are the hallmarks of a terrific folksinger and songwriter, of which Wilcox is both.