"Fifty Miles To Chicago" is the debut record from - surprise - Chicago's singer/songwriter Andrew Ripp. Ripp has recruited a fine assortment of established musicians to "create an organic album reminiscent of those made in the 70s and by artists like Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, and Hank Williams". These were not the artists that came to mind as I listened to "Fifty Miles To Chicago", but there is a palpable spirit of getting down to basics so that the purity of the music and vocal can shine. Some of the notable guests on this record include producer Dan Lavery (former bass player for Tonic) and musicians Pete Maloney (Dishwalla, Tonic), keyboard player Will Hollis (Eagles), and steel guitar player Eric Heywood (Ray LaMontagne).
Andrew Ripp delivers the best of both worlds on "Fifty Miles To Chicago"; his voice is soulful and emotive, fluctuating between grit and tenderness as demanded by the lyrics, and providing perfect accompaniment whether his tune is bright and poppy or slow and sober. Things kick off with my favorite track of the bunch, the infectious and groovy "Get Your Smile On". It is hard not to do so against the backdrop of this hip, Jason Mraz style romp. Other songs, such as "Just Another Song About California" or "On My Way", feature a subtle country flavor, bordering on Jayhawks turf. You will also hear something akin to Gavin DeGraw in his more piano driven pieces, including "Tim's Song" and "The Privileged Life". Ripp sounds like a nephew of Joe Cocker on the amazing "But You Saved My Life", and then gears down for the spine-tingling closer, "Dresden Wine". This ballad builds softly with mesmerizing piano, climbing slow and sure to a dazzling climax that should leave you speechless.
If you like Ray LaMontagne, Gomez, John Mayer, then you are surely doing to dig Andrew Ripp. This guy has some serious talent and doesn't waste it on hookless, bland tunes.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11
Andrew Ripp on MySpace. "Get Ripp'd" here.
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