“Bits And Pieces,” the 18th record by Malcolm Holcombe, is a testament to the resilience and artistry of a musician who sees the world through a distinctive lens. This album almost didn’t come to fruition, as Holcombe faced a cancer diagnosis. However, true to form, he ventured into the studio, accompanied by Jared Tyler, his shadow and musical collaborator, resulting in a collection of brilliant songs.
The title track, “Bits And Pieces,” exemplifies the classic storytelling prowess that sets Holcombe apart from his contemporaries. His ability to weave intricate narratives is unmatched, painting vivid pictures with his words.
“Fill Those Shoes” showcases a more expansive sound, despite the fact that it is just the duo of Holcombe and Tyler. This track, like many others on the album, carries a dustbowl folk aesthetic reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s early works but with a raw road-weariness that sets it apart.
Beyond the musicality, there is a profound belief in humanity and a deep sense of empathy that permeates the album. “Conscience Of Man” is a testament to this, evoking comparisons to legendary artists like Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams. Yet, Holcombe’s unique voice and guitar work paint him as almost the Steinbeck of the music world.
“Ev’ry Soul Is There” showcases Holcombe’s innate ability to find stories in every corner of life, a gift that many aspire to possess. The album continues to impress with “Another Sweet Deal,” a track that highlights Holcombe’s unmatched vocal style and his knack for infusing his playing with glorious melodies. Tyler’s contributions as a talented accompanist shine throughout the record.
“Rubbin’ Elbows” introduces a whimsical notion, cautioning against giving up one’s day job, yet manages to depict life on the road with a battered guitar and a trucker’s cap as a form of paradise. On the old-time folk tune “I’ve Been There,” Holcombe delivers a standout line: “you can polish a turd with some elbow grease, and there’s a flim-flam floozy, full of booze and boobies” (though, to be fair, he seems to appreciate both).
The album concludes with a plea to a higher power for assistance, as Holcombe confronts the challenges he faced during the recording process and beyond. In “The sunlight of my faith comes undone,” he captures a sense of poignant vulnerability and introspection.
Remarkably, Holcombe emerged victorious over his battle with cancer, leaving listeners eager for future releases that match the quality of “Bits And Pieces.” While terms like “unique” are often overused, they undeniably apply to Holcombe’s transcendent talent. He stands as a truly remarkable singer-songwriter without any imitators. Though there may be fragments and influences from various sources,”Bits And Pieces” if we may, nobody quite captures the essence of Malcolm Holcombe.
“Bits And Pieces” is a captivating journey through the extraordinary perspective of Malcolm Holcombe. With its masterful storytelling, compelling melodies, and Holcombe’s incomparable voice, this record stands as a testament to both his resilience and artistic brilliance.
Rating: 9/10
