David Kleiner has recently created a CD that focuses around the theme of love, specifically the ways of the heart. With a growing reputation as one of the Philadelphia area's most intelligent and literate songwriters, this cd is decidedly aimed to be enjoyed on an emotional as well as intellectual level. Kleiner, (not to be confused with the fine songwriter David Kleiner from Northern NJ) has been playing live in the area for the last few years, often performing sets that have specific themes. This approach has been effective not only in his live shows but very much so on this recording that is tightly held together and impeccably produced by Glenn Barratt of Morningstar Studios. The outstanding musicianship, variations in instrumentation and vocal arrangements help keep all the songs interesting and fresh. But it is Kleiner's well crafted songwriting that carries the CD from start to finish. There are no weak songs, but here are the favorites:
1) Tiny Romance- Sometimes it's the small song, the one that is least ambitious that touches the most hearts. This is a small masterpiece. A gorgeous vocal harmony adorns some of the cleverest wordplay and rhyme scheme you will ever hear. Yet it is the small attention to detail that will touch your heart...and what a melody!
2) This Human Heart- The opening track, title track and centerpiece of the CD, it is the glue that not only holds the recording together, but in its own way holds all love songs together. With at least two dozen references to love songs, old and not so old, as well as literary references, phrases and other odd connections to the word "heart," this song is a cornucopia of trivia for those that love to analyze songs and look for hidden meanings. Yet this song is no mere intellectual curiosity, it really rocks (albeit folk-rock-not heavy metal).
3) Love Will Stay- Buried towards the end of the CD, this song has an unforgettable winding Latin tinged melody that could top the charts if sung by Carlos Santana. Somebody has got to get this one to Carlos! OK, so the lyrics are a bit intellectual for Top 40- "The study of love could never be complete. The conditions of its origin, never can repeat. Onset and consummation. Fractures and alterations. Every case is so complex..." Still, has anyone ever read the lyrics to the Top 40 hit Incense & Peppermint?
4) Cape May Waltz- How can you resist a waltz with a great fiddle, especially when it's about the beautiful town of Cape May, NJ?
5) Damn This Aching Heart- Classic sounding bluesy song immediately stands out both for it's change of pace from the rest of the tunes, and a particularly strong vocal performance by Kleiner. Great harmonica too.
6) My Beloved Is Mine- Speaking of change of pace, this song is in the style of Gershwin or Cole Porter, complete with an introductory melody ("verse") that sets up the main part of the song. It also utilizes some interesting biblical references from King Solomon's Song of Songs.
I have been listening to a lot of CDs from independent artists recently, and this one stands out as one of the best in terms of musicianship, songwriting and production. I am not the only one who feels this way. This CD has received positive reviews already from a number of much more well known sources than cdreviewsonline.com--such as Sing Out Magazine. Obviously This Human Heart is getting some circulation. I think anyone who enjoys a good love song will be thrilled to get 13 different ones on this excellent CD. For more information on this artist go to davidkleiner.net