Seattle singer-songwriter Kaz Murphys solo debut is packed with songs so full of rich imagery, quirky characters, cultural insights and instrumental diversity that if there were such a thing as classic Americana, this would be it.
Murphy fronted a couple of folk-rock bands before recording this album, which shows off his strong songwriting skills. But his bands talents are also significant. Jacque Grad, who also played with Murphy on his former projects, steals the limelight regularly with her gifted violin and accordion work; Picketts guitarist John Olufs and Posies drummer Brian Young also contribute. Mix in some cello, mandolin, banjo, tremolo and pedal steel guitars, standup bass and Fender Contempo organ, and One Happy Camper becomes a feast for the senses, blending folk, Western and 60s influences into a highly original sound.
Murphys lyrics, and the tone in which he delivers them, has a lot to do with that. His characters can be found in trailer parks and stationwagons, cynical and disillusioned with the state of America. His voice, which has a lot in common with 60s folksinger Phil Ochs (indeed, Murphy covers an Ochs tune here), is forthright and adamant but not angry. With the bittersweet sounds of Grads violin and accordion behind them, Murphys tales come alive with emotion.
One of the best, Drive Down South, tells the story of a childhood vacation to Florida in which the family took a wrong turn in Tennessee. The mistake provides the opportunity for a Civil War history lesson for Murphys brother, but Murphy is distracted by the social implications of Southern culture. Now a lot of folks have told me that its really changed/In order to see it I had to really strain, he sings. One Happy Camper delivers 10 strong songs that romp through Americas potholes and pitfalls, yet leave you feeling somehow uplifted.