Love and loss is the universal theme behind much of Lisbeth, the debut album from James Bruce Moore. It is also highly personal, a tender, moving Valentine to Moore’s late wife, whom the record is named after. Weaving together elements of folk, country, and the blues, Moore caresses the sorrow in his lyrics with the warm afterglow of laidback roots music. The songs are stunningly beautiful, and a number of them are tinged with a profound sadness that stays with you. “Tears of sorrow, burn my eyes/Tears of sorrow, cause me pain,” Moore sings on the shimmering “Stars of Silver.” His heartfelt voice brims with the same kind of friendly, compassionate tone that once made James Taylor’s ballads so memorable and effective.
There is real passion – and true hurt – in these tracks, and it’s so rare to find those qualities in music these days. “After All These Years” touches the heart like the early ‘70s singer/songwriters did. Despite the heavy emotions expressed in the lyrics, this is not a depressing album. Everybody has lost a loved one; the feelings that are pouring forth from Moore speak of lifelong affection, and they are incredibly moving. Moore also balances the melancholic crooning of “Come and Gone” with the romanticism of “Fell Back to Dreamin’” and the charming ukulele of “Lisbeth’s Love” is a sweet touch. Lisbeth is a true labor of love, one that will last the ages.
Website: http://jamesbrucemoore.com
