By Lee Zimmerman
As a wildlife biologist dedicated to ecology, Randy Lee Riviere’s interests extend to more than simply making music. Nevertheless. he’s also made a name for himself as an artist whose absolute dedication and determination has enabled him to effortlessly and effectively express himself in song.
Farmhand Blues finds him pairing passion with purpose, infusing his concern about the toll taken by rampant development on much of nature’s preserves. Its title aside, Riviere’s melodies aren’t confined only to blues, but the tempestuous and tenacious sounds they share convey the same level of enduring emotion. Recorded with an able team of musical collaborators that includes Grammy-winning producer and drummer/ backing vocalist Tom Hambridge (who also co-wrote eight of the album’s 15 tracks), Doug Lancio, Bob Britt, and Michael Saint-Leon on guitars, Saint-Leon on harp, Mike Rojas on keyboards, and Robert Kearns on bass. Riviere lets loose with a scorching series of songs that emphasize an obvious edge and outrage in a decidedly mercurial way. Cynical exemplifies that attitude courtesy of its title alone, but in fact. there’s not a single track here that doesn’t demonstrate Riviere’s fury and ferocity simply on the basis of a consistently decisive delivery. Downtown is one of several riveting rocker…while the assertive strains of the title track, Alabama, Linden Lane, On My Way on Down, If I Were King, Pecos, Cynical, and others testify to his steadfast resolve.
One track in particular is especially moving, that being December 1980, which finds Riviere reflecting on the tragedy of John Lennon’s assassination. Of all the album’s offerings. it makes its basis in the blues most apparent. It also allows Riviere to share a sense of loss and communicate a connection that still affects him deeply.
Riviere manages to make his point without feeling the need to soften his sty1e or conceal his convictions. Even when he opts for a more deliberate stance, as with the somewhat subdued ballads Dovetail Joints and You Ain’t No Loving Woman. the emotional investment is no less apparent. In the end. Riviere ploughs through Farmhand Blues like a man who’s on a mission.