Singer's 'Story' rings true

ARTIST: Lee Wessman

RECORDING: "Loved the Story"

Some will love this album and others won't listen past the first song. The conflict rests in the fact that it was obviously made by someone with a gigantic heart and the creative material to write stories reflecting that heart. However, there are some musical stumbling points that can't be overlooked.

Wessman, a career newsman and part-time musician, was editor of the Sacramento Business Journal when he died unexpectedly last February.

Each song on "Loved the Story" is well-told, full of care. From "Dreamboat," a sweet lullaby to a little daughter, to a goofy lament called "Nose Hairs," these stories reflect the soul of a man who loved his life and his family. The love stirred into "Story" is the same kind that makes grandparents wiser than anybody. Imagine Greg Brown without his mischief, John Wesley Harding without the sarcasm - then throw in Kermit the Frog.

However, the snags must also be mentioned here. The recording quality is the most noticeable. Excessive echo detracts from the intimate quality of Wessman's music. Wessman's voice, though lovely in timbre and tone, tends to stray to the sharp or flat, giving the impression of a voice without melody.

And the melodies themselves are nice, but not strong, never keeping up with the grace of Wessman's guitar.

For all the musical particulars, it is important to note that I would take one of Wessman's albums over 80 percent of pop music's big label stars in one quick dissolve of a snowflake on my eyelash. One kind heart, playing music for his family and friends - though every note may not be in the right place - is leagues beyond a picture-perfect plastic piece of music with no soul. Any true musician will say that much.

I am not advising you to go out and buy this album. Go to the listening library, see if you can listen without buying. Maybe it won't strike you like it struck me. Maybe something will warm your heart, as it did mine. Either way, I'm glad Wessman recorded this gem.

- "Loved the Story" is available at Rockin Rudy's and Budget Tapes and CDs. Proceeds go toward the Wessman Family Memorial Fund.

Note: The Big Sky Mudflaps have once again made the vinyl-to-digital leap, re-releasing their 1983 "Practical Shoes" on CD, a record that was one of Billboard Magazine's "Top Album Picks." And by the sounds of it, it's every bit at danceable as it was nearly 20 years ago, upbeat and jazzy like the band itself. Look for it at Rockin Rudy's and Budget Tapes and CDs.

Erica Parfit is a free-lance writer who reviews music for the Missoulian. Send your recording to Erica Parfit, c/o the Missoulian, P.O. Box 8029, Missoula MT 59807.