 Talented Burlington composer Paul Webb's new
recording Stone Boat once again features Vermont vocalist Patti Casey, whose luxurious
pipes were a highlight of his 2001 release, Green Mountain Spring. In addition to Casey,
Webb's latest boasts guest appearances from some of the area's most accomplished
performers, including Paul Asbell, Dave Grippo and Kip Meaker. Stone Boat is a mood piece
with an earnest vibe and breezy atmosphere, a bit like Van Morrison's classic Astral
Weeks.
The disc's 13 cuts are tied together by Webb's dexterous piano playing and Casey's lush
vocals. Overall, the work feels like a pleasant walk in the woods on a crisp fall evening.
Although Casey provides the album's sole voice, she possesses enough versatility to invest
each melody with unique character. Unfortunately, her vocals are sometimes buried in the
mix, making it difficult to discern the lyrics.
Guest guitarist Colin McCaffrey's solo on "Charlotte Street" bears similarities
to Dickey Betts' work on the Allman Brothers classic, "Jessica." Well-known
axemen Meaker and Asbell contribute to several tracks; each one of their licks helps make
Stone Boat a top-notch musical experience."By the River" -- the sole rockin'
number on the CD -- offers a brief respite from the smooth sound that Webb and
co-producer/engineer/synth player Peter Engisch have crafted. With its bluesy feel, the
song stands out amongst the record's mellower numbers.The disc's closing track, "Love
Is a Simple Thing," is a waltz co-written by Carol Abair, another fine Vermont
composer. On it, Casey's vocals pleasantly intertwine with Dave Grippo's sax and Webb's
shimmering piano work. In many ways, Stone Boat ends much as it began -- with luxuriant
instrumentation and a graceful melody. In his more than 10 years of composing and
performing, Webb has developed a signature sound, and Stone Boat provides a fine example.
- By Robert Resnik - Sevendays
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