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By Archive
from Salem Monthly, Section News
Posted on Sun Aug 14, 2005 at 12:58:11 PM PDT
This month, in addition to my check, there was something in my package from the editors of Salem Monthly. It was a fan letter of sorts. Not a gushing letter born of obsession, but an honest and wholehearted agreement with a CD review I had written. Along with it was a CD, made by the person who wrote the letter and an invite to the release party at the end of July. I have just one thing to say to musicians looking to get their CD reviewed by me. Flattery will get you everywhere!
(A copy of the CD also helps.)
Local Salem artist Jon Lapray’s debut CD “Parkrose” is a pleasure to listen to. Lapray’s vocals are strong, with a sound that reminds me of James Taylor. But his sound goes beyond a Taylor rip-off as he crafts his own folk-rock from diverse influences. His lyrics come mostly from his life and stuggles, as most good lyrics do.
Jon is obviously a spiritual person, but what people would call a “Christian musician.” While some of his songs talk of God and heaven, most of them are devoted to people he knows, such as his dad, child (“Janie’s Lullaby”), a friend (“One Day”), and ex- and current romantic interests on several songs. Oregon gets its own song, as does camping. But Lapray’s music isn’t just happiness and smiles. He also draws from his pain, mostly relationship related.
Not the least of these songs is the incorrectly-named “Sacred Gound,” the album’s single. (The song should be named “Solid Ground,” for all imaginable reasons. The words “sacred ground” only appear once in the whole song.) Two versions of the song are on the album, an acoustic version and a rock one. This song is incredibly catchy, despite one or two slightly out-of-place lyrics. (“When she would come down late at night, I would rub her body down and make her feel right” just doesn’t fit totally with the rest of the lyrics.) I listened to the ablum twice (which means I heard the song four times), now I can’t get the song out of my head.
I wasn’t able to make it to the CD release party, but you can see him soon at a location near you. Young’s Teriyaki seems to be a favorite Salem venue of his. (The next time he plays there is August 11.) You can find out more at www.jonlapray.com. Lapray’s music speaks for itself and is well produced.
Aaron Kelly is also a musician. Who knows, you may see his CD some day. Until then, you can find out more about him at
mywebpage.netscape.com/aaronlkelly. Fan letters can be sent to the Salem Monthly. Aaron likes them.
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