Bryan John Appleby's Fire on the Vine: Where've You Been All My Life?

It's rare to find a true storyteller amongst musicians. Granted, most songwriters are able to use words to their advantage in creating a solid combination of music and lyrics, and are able to weave them together in a way at which the rest of us jealously marvel.

However, it's quite uncommon to find a musician and song writer that is able to conjure a vivid picture in your mind with only a single sentence much less a rich story with feeling and depth amidst a brief song. Bryan John Appleby(BJA) has done this and much more in his highly anticipated first full-length release Fire on the Vine.

The first time we set eyes on BJA was at Sound on the Sound/The Collective's "Best of the New" free showcase last October. Other incredible bands we've seen at these showcases include Lemolo and Fort Union. Needless to say, you should check out any future shows produced by The Collective since you'll most likely be seeing the future of Seattle music at it's roots. To say they're really good at sniffing out raw talent is an understatement, but I digress.

When I heard the song titled "Honey Jars" for the first time, I welled up and very nearly shed a tear. Since that day, I have yet to hear it and not feel that same depth of emotion and bond with the characters portrayed in the lyrics. I dare you not to do the same when you hear:

"Tonight I'm locked outside my building, guess I must have lost the key // So i'll just sit here on the sidewalk, let the snow fall on my knees // If I made it to a payphone, I don't know who I would call // So for now I'll close my eyes and rest my crooked back against the wall."

It's not purely the words he sings--it's the unique way he describes the stories, the way the music ebbs and flows along and the sincerity with which he sings the words. As the last lines of "Honey Jars" float through the air: "Now your honey jars are frozen and in the window your books have browned. There's too much room inside our bed, I think I'll join you in the ground." We imagine and only hope to love so deeply and empathize with losing such a love.

That's not the only emotionally charged song included on Fire on the Vine. "Backseat" is another that catches in our throats even after more than two dozen listens. A song about a life-changing journey, yet missing what you're leaving behind resonates with anyone who has dared to take a risk despite a previously comfortable existence. The stories included on this album are clear enough to conjure the visuals I spoke of but generic enough so almost anyone can relate to the characters. This is a pretty rare statement for me, but there isn't one song on the album that I don't want to hear every time it comes through my headphones.

There are a couple tracks that seem a bit out of place musically on the album like "Glory". That's mostly due to it's heavier drum beats and much more swinging tempo including an interesting 50's rock-styled intro. Though, it's ending is sure to bring about a chorus of claps at any live performance.

Speaking of live performances, you can grab Fire on the Vine for yourself at his cd release this Saturday at Columbia City Theater. For a mere pittance of $8 you can grab an unforgettable night of music. Along with BJA, Gabriel Mintz and Good Luck Number will be treating you to aural pleasures as well. For a little taste to whet your appetite for Fire on the Vine take a listen to "The Words of the Revelator".