About a month ago I had the opportunity to interview Willy DeVille. I had asked him at the time if it was okay for me to record our conversation, and he had asked that I not for fear of it taking away from the moment. He used the comparison of colour photography versus black and white, saying he preferred the latter because of the simplicity in the moment.
It was more than just a concern about losing spontaneity because of the awareness of being recorded; it was an expression of a desire to keep things as simple and uncomplicated as possible to preserve the integrity of a moment in time at its most basic. Colour photography leaves nothing to the imagination, eliminates ambiguities. Black and white, on the other hand, suggests some things, while leaving others in shadow and open to interpretation in much the same manner as real human interaction.
That's Willy DeVilles's music in a nutshell, all shadows and suggestions, full of the ambiguities of human nature and gritty reality. He reduces, or distills, life down to its essential elements through his ability to depict moments in time and place lyrically in the same manner as a black and white still photographer.
His most recent studio album, already two years old, Crow Jane Alley provides plenty of opportunity to witness his approach to song writing and performing. Of the ten songs, eight are originals and two are covers that ideally suit both his temperament and musical goals. "Slave For Love" by Bryan Ferry sounds far better with Willy singing it than any other version I've heard as he is able to make the song into a simple statement of intent, rather than a mawkish sentimental ballad.
Then there's his take on that old favourite "Come A Little Bit Closer" by Jay and the Americans. It's a riot, with Willy laying it on so thick that you can hear the leer on his face and see the suggestive twinkle in his eye through your speakers. It's almost as if he's making fun of the old machismo Latin image that he used to have in the days of "Cadillac Walk"
Article comments
1 - Justene
I liked this review so much that I clicked the link and ordered the CD without even hearing the music. Thanks.
2 - Richard Marcus
Wow,
Well you wont't be sorry, this has got to be one of his best studio albums in decades, and he's truly amazing. If you really want to indulge, treat yourself to the DVD "Live In The Lowlands", he's remarkable live. He was in total agony during the whole gig, recovering from hip replacement surgery, and multiple fractures of his leg from a car crash, but he was still amazing. There are also some really great interviews with him and his band in the special features.
What's really nice about him that I discovered, is what you see is what you get. When I interviewed him he was as honest and direct as he is when he sings and performs.
Enjoy
Richard