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Artist: James O’Malley
Album: “I’m Ready”
CD Review: “I’m Ready” is a collection of songs that like letters long ago written, are only now being sent. The songs are heart on the sleeve songs played and recorded with a sense of gentle grace. O’Malley explores many types of relationships, enduring memories, and hey, he even bravely takes us into his junk drawer!

O’Malley’s songwriting style is fairly straightforward storytelling. Mainly the recordings are his acoustic guitar and voice. Both of those are easy to listen to, smooth and pleasing. He does include some subtle additional guitar work and harmonica in the arrangements of some songs which add a nice bit of texture.

“If I Ain’t Got The Blues By Now” is a sweet funny song and my favorite of the CD. It reminds me of something Jazz man Michael Franks might write if he played acoustic guitar. “Mama Didn’t Raise No Fool” rocks it up a notch and is also one of the stronger songs in my opinion.

The CD is written and produced simply, but it in no way sounds like there’s anything missing. O’Malley’s voice and songwriting style reminds me somewhat of a young Paul Simon. Fans of that sound and style will love this record.

http://www.jamesomalley.org