When you first hear the songs of Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms, you could be forgiven for assuming that they hail from somewhere in the South. After all, the two embrace melodies and rich harmony vocals steeped in the tradition of artists that have graced the Grand Ole Opry for decades. There is also a steady current of bluegrass flowing through their songs, although their homes (Klauder from the San Juan Islands and Willms from Douglas County) in Washington are closer to the Cascades than Appalachia.
That Appalachian influence comes through strongly on the album Oh Do You Remember. It is an album with simple arrangements of guitar, mandolin, and pretty harmony vocals. It brings to mind images of bluegrass groups that sing around a single microphone.
On Innocent Road, there was a distinct move toward more of a honky-tonk sound with fiddle, pedal steel, and plenty of opportunities to dance regardless of the tempo of the song.
On their new album Gold in Your Pocket, you can hear healthy doses of both the honky-tonk and bluegrass sounds for which the duo has become known.
When you see that the title of the opening track is called “He’s Gone,” you may not be prepared for what awaits you. Yes, the song is about some larger-than-life character who doesn’t need his own folklore and is sure to brighten heaven’s shore. But this isn’t some kind of dirge in memory of one who has passed. In fact, it’s an uptempo celebration that is sure to get your feet moving. The song features lovely harmony vocals, fiddle, and a twangy guitar sound that sounds at times like Junior Brown’s guit-steel. It’s no surprise that this was selected as the lead track as it definitely whets the appetite for the rest of the album, which includes a celebration of sad songs.
“Most Lonely Day” opens with a fiddle sound that immediately brings to mind images of a dark honky-tonk. Over the plaintive sounds of the fiddle and pedal steel, the two harmonize beautifully while singing, “Life is so fleeting, so why all the hurting and cheating when all that we gain is a sad country song?” It’s a song that will have you both singing along and in search of a partner for slow dancing.
In “Sad Songs,” Willms sings about wanting to hear a “sad country weeper” because it’s the sad songs that make her happy. Like other songs on the album, this features fiddle and pedal steel, and it also includes mandolin, which adds another layer to a song that is easy to sing along with.
You should know, however, that this isn’t an album filled with weepers (although there’s nothing wrong with those). A couple of songs, in particular, are happier songs that focus on the wonder of love and support.
The title track was inspired by a Maurice Sendak drawing that hangs (and has for decades) in the home of Klauder’s mother. It is a feel-good anthem that expresses appreciation for the value of a relationship (not necessarily with a romantic partner) with someone reliable. It feels like a song that would fit really well on a playlist for an anniversary as well as one that celebrates true friendship.
“We’ve Got It Made” is a lively song with a familiar message. Over a melody that features the mandolin prominently, Klauder sings of a couple that will be OK as long as they walk through life together. The familiar nature of the lyrics does nothing to detract from the sweet sentiment.
The album closes with “T & J’s Lullaby”. It’s a simple song, just about the sweetest lullaby imaginable. If you have little ones, you might want to borrow this song to sing to them.
Gold in Your Pocket (Free Dirt Records) is a breath of fresh air. It is an album that spreads good feelings at a time when good feelings are in high demand. Even the sad country weepers will get you to sing along, and that in itself can be a balm for the soul.
