Everything's Alright - Christopher Whitworth
Christopher Whitworth is a vocalist and trombonist. So kicking off his debut album with the sound of a guitar plugging in is an interesting choice. But it's a good sign of what's ahead. While ska is a clear foundation, pretty much anything else goes.
Album opener, I Could Fly, fulfills the promise of the sound effect with a stomping rhythm guitar. It also establishes the themes of freedom and escape. As the album continues, each song retains its own personality and appeal. For example, the lively title track, Everything's Alright, features a stunning guitar solo and doubles as a declaration of intent. I Feel Alive mines a funky bass groove, while High Flyer pulsates with urgency and abandon. Meanwhile, the downbeat This Song resonates with an amusing lyrical kiss-off.
Lyrics on the album combine true stories, observations, humour and inter-textual referencing. Fragments from one song might appear in another, rewarding close attention with an extra level of intrigue.
To ease the listener out of the experience, the album closes with a live reggae track recorded with the band Boneseed. But getting to the end of the album won't get you off the hook. Several songs are solid ear worms, with rhythms and melodies that will rattle around in your head for days. In a good way!
Chris talked to us about the album on the podcast, so make sure you check out that chat, too.
Get Everthing's Alright from CD Baby