Josh Hyde

Into the Soul

JHR Records.

There is a vintage vibe to this album. The tone is warm, comfortable, and evokes the music of artists like JJ Cale, Tom Petty, Delbert McClinton, and Lyle Lovett. Growing up and stomping around Louisiana, it’s easy to hear that swampy blues, jazz, and zydeco influence. The eleven songs on Into the Soul is Hyde’s sophomore album. It harkens back to ‘70’s radio. It’s good.

The overall feel of the album stems from the organic recording method. Into the Soul was recorded on a 24-track reel-to-reel analog machine. It certainly sets this album apart from the thin, digital, pro tool, overworked recordings piled up today. Being a proficient guitarist singer songwriter is especially evident when you stand exposed without editing software to round out the edges.

Into the Soul was recorded in the studio with the band, Josh Hyde plays guitar, vibraphone, and vocals. Once again Josh returned to producer Joe V. McMahan, who contributes guitar and vibraphone. Ron Eoff plays bass, Derrek Phillips is the band’s drummer and percussionist. Shreveport native Jimmy Wallace is the organ, piano, and keyboardist. Chris Lippincott plays pedal steel. All songs are written by Josh Hyde. This is a tight band. They have a bit of history that works well for the album. Having two accomplished guitarists on one album aside, they have played on the same stages or swampy back streets enough to understand each other musically, and it shows.

“Rocking Chair” is a juke-joint piano revival with tom-tom drums delicately accentuated with electric guitar solos. “Smile” has a breezy summertime feel with a pop-groove bassline. “For You I Ache” is a sad acoustic guitar ballad with pedal steel and mournful electric guitar. A driving drumbeat introduces “Lovers Curse” and the bass builds to a rousing organ interlude and electric guitar noodling. “The Edge Of Love” has a definitive JJ Cale funky groove. “Can’t Let Go” is pure 70’s pop. “All You Need Is Soul” starts with a soulful guitar and marching snare beat than swings into a full band sound for the chorus. “Call My Name” with its slide guitar and toe-tapping beat will wheedle its way into your head in a good way. “Reasons Why” is a beautiful slow ballad. The electric guitar cries out for a love that is slipping away.

Personal favorites are “Down On Bourbon Street” with its Ry Cooder vibe, and “The Key” with it’s baseline like a heartbeat, swinging beat, and Hawaiian undertones. There is a beautiful smooth vintage vibe to these songs that I think would sound killer on vinyl. I like Into the Soul. It’s a good album. It’s real. There are no bells or whistles. What you hear is what you get, and what you get is good. Getcha some.

• Viola Krouse