Formerly the frontman for the outfits Tiny Television and San Geronimo, Jeremy D’Antonio’s first solo effort is Spinnin’ Wheels, and even though it’s a brief one (five songs on a 12” slab of vinyl at 45rpm), he brings a very rich and often old-school approach to songwriting that would seem right at home in any decade since the ’70s.
The appropriately titled “Sad And Blue” starts the album with D’Antonio’s version of high lonesome as pedal steel, a strategic slide guitar and soft percussion reside somewhere between country and blues as female vocals add much to the raw setting.
Things only get more interesting from here, including the piano-friendly “Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness,” a tune penned by John Prine in 1986, where a warm atmosphere breeds a contemplative quality amid very dynamic, if not aching environment, while “Spinnin’ Wheels” moves with a bare approach, as expressive vocals enter a darker atmosphere where honky-tonk nods aren’t off the table, either.
The quick listen ends on a high note, with the rootsy, throwback Americana of the beautiful, heartbreaking duet “Heaven Knows,” and “Crawlin’ Out Of My Skin” closes things out in emotive fashion that’s indebted to classic country as D’Antonio is accompanied by precise interplay from the esteemed musicians on hand.
