Amongst the Tall Trees

Amongst the Tall Trees. Performed by Pointed Man Band. CD. Approx. 35 min. Doo-Dah Records. 2019. Digital: $9.49.

Gr 9 up

The Pointed Man Band is comprised of Dan Elliott, Vince Byrne, Eric Levine and Kay Elliott. Here they perform 12 energetic, original songs in various styles of jazz, rock, and funk. Nice harmonies and lots of syncopation are features of many of the tunes. The backup musicians perform exceptionally well on guitar, violin, viola, cello, harp, bass, organ, synthesizers, piano, sax, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. According to Elliott, he crafted the album's tracks to reflect the evolving landscape of seeking happiness and wonder while immersed in a complicated world. However, this reviewer found many of the lyrics obscure and difficult to understand; almost like a stream of disconnected thoughts in some places. Listeners are encouraged to “Go” climb a hill and feel the breeze. “Pint Size” is about being unified. The title “Corvidae” is never defined in the song, so younger listeners may not know this song celebrates the crow family of birds. The passing of time is rued in “Slowest Hands.” “A Minor” is a jazz instrumental. “April Fools” is an instrumental with solfege. The more obscure of the songs follow:  The “Yellow Dog” of If, wonders only if; it goes on and on and on and on…  I know you’ve travelled all over the world, but you ain’t seen nothing like it (“Dark Divide”). “Vs. People” begins “There’s a quiet little town under the cool, cool ground where the phosphorus is rising due to our wiggling and writhing around.” In “Eagle Creek,” they’re coming out, we’re coming over, everyone sounds just like underwater. “Adventures of Wunderland” are free, so long as you head from the said to the present we speak. Come one, come all, to the greatest show on “Unearthed,” we’re one, we’re all and we’re in it since our birth. A very unique album, for those who like quirky songs and lyrics.

Website: https://pointedmanband.com/