Album Review: Gerry Spehar 'Anger Management'

-Harriett

Colorado native Gerry Spehar’s musical career has spanned decades beginning in the 1970’s. Through various incarnations, and a slight detour to the corporate world while raising a family, the singer-songwriter returned full force in 2017 with the release of his critically acclaimed album I Hold Gravity. Obviously having no intent of slowing down, Spehar’s next album, Anger Management, drops on May 18th.  Equal parts cathartic release and contemporaneous account of what will become our history, the project is unapologetically political and sonically diverse; drawing on blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and country influences.

“Thank You Donald” is witty, up-tempo, bluegrass-influenced song about a desolate liberal who finds renewed purpose in life: exposing and fighting against the current administration. Through the folk-rock of “Son Of An Immigrant” Spehar tackles racism and intolerance. Blues-heavy guitar work and driving percussion provide the perfect soundtrack for the message in “Anger Management” which stresses the importance of being true to yourself and using your voice to bring about change. The deeply moving “A Soldier’s Spiritual” focuses on the difficulties veterans face daily upon returning to civilian life.

The universally recognizable sound associated with a circus calliope introduces “Carnival”, which provides an interesting take on the political legacy of LBJ and a rendition of Hail To The Chief, begins the lampooning of Trump and those infamous Access Hollywood tapes on “Freedom to Grab”. Spehar’s thirteen track collection closes with the reflective “What Would Jesus Do”,  pondering the contrast between the words and the deeds of some who profess to be Christians.

With Anger Management, Gerry Spehar combines his vast and varied music experience with his equally diverse life experience to deliver an interesting album that entertains and challenges the listener. To learn more about his backstory and his music, visit www.gerryspehar.com            

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