Southland Blues Reviews Farmhand Blues

Jim Santella’s review explores the album’s combination of country storytelling, blues, and guitar-driven rock. He highlights Riviere’s distinctive vocal delivery and the way his experience as a wildlife biologist informs his writing about nature and everyday life.

Combining blues with country and rock, Randy Lee Riviere makes quite a splash with his latest album. A veteran of over 20 years in the music trade as well a dedicated wildlife biologist, he paints his song lyrics with comments about Nature, its ups and downs, and what should be appreciated.

The album’s title track lets the artist speak out about working for a living and experiencing all that goes with the effort as well as the motivation. He lets the country feel come through as he sings with a laid-back, guy-next-door approach to narration. He tells the story, but he refrains from going too deep into the details. Rather, Riviere prefers to give his tale a smooth, surface flavor that covers well enough.

“Alabama” finds Riviere surrounding his lyrics in guitar mystique. Like a rock anthem, the song lets him discuss an ethereal topic while pouring on the powerful sounds of guitar thunder. Similarly, “Pecos,” “Cynical,” and “Moonlight” allow the artist and his associates to roll with a rock beat and a lively guitar scene. The latter song comes with a rhythmic beat that recalls the kind of outdoor scenario found in Western movies. That may stem from the fact that Riviere is from Montana and Northern California; however, his penchant for wilderness and Nature certainly plays a big part in what he creates.

The 15 songs on the album were written or co-written by Riviere with noted drummer/songwriter Tom Hambridge. While the music surrounding each lyric consists mainly of guitar and drums, the album places its focus on Riviere’s voice. His low-down, raspy resonance allows for the kind of depth that a rock star would appreciate. While Riviere tells his stories clearly, he’s sure to place them in context with the surrounding music.

As he slows it down for “You Ain’t No Loving Woman (for a Loving Man),” he delivers the topic right on with a deep persuasion. Here, more so than the other songs on the album, Riviere’s gravel voice lets him deliver the message convincingly with no doubts about what he means. As a veteran of song and story, Randy Lee Riviere says a lot and shares it through good music.

— Jim Santella