Find a Way

Album Review

Ken Boynton writes songs that have a familiarity in the lyrics that many listeners can easily relate to. This gives him an exceptional ease at captivating an audience. When the marvelous melody lines are incorporated into the formula, one all the ingredients needed to make Ken Boynton a sought-out singer/songwriter and performer. Ken Boynton has also surrounded himself with some extremely talented musicians who complement his style and, at times, even add an extra depth to the compositions. The rhythm section is vibrantly tight on the pop/rock number "Tomorrow, I Suppose," keeping the foundation steady. The multiple accents from the lead guitar and keyboards color the presentation with melodic phrases that tend to magnify the marvelous vocals. While not strong in originality, the familiar pop style lets one enjoy the lyrical content with a comfortable groove. "Whiskey, Wine and Water," which is based on an acoustic presentation, allows one to closely examine the stimulating vocals from Ken Boynton. This blues-rock tune has a Southern feel echoing the Allman Brothers Band, with a strong blues emotion coming from the lead vocals and lead guitar phrasing. The backup gospel-esque singers lend an exceptional depth to the chorus of this contagious number. The title track of the album, "Find a Way," has some intriguing harmony vocals that hook the listener into the infectious melody. The lead guitar work is also a charismatic factor, with some snappy blues riffs that have depth and color galore. The melody has a blues-rock style, with a pop splash that gives "Find a Way" a strong magnetism to a radio-friendly audience. "All My Life" is a straightforward rock number that serves to display a tight group of musicians that accentuate key phrases with high dynamics. The vocals enunciate the masterful lyrics, which were written with a commanding message working exquisitely with the infectious melody. The vocals are of an exceptionally beautiful quality, almost angelic on the mellow acoustic presentation of "Do My Best." The autoharp handsomely accentuating the acoustic guitar work keeps the listener hypnotically enthralled into the flow of the inoculable groove. "Do My Best" has what legendary rock & roll classics are fashioned around: great vocals and equally matched instrumentation. The heartfelt lyrics and vocal expression on "Long Way Down" have echoes of the John Hiatt and Van Morrison school of Americana music. The excellent rhythm section is the solid backbone in the composition, but the instrumental nuances from the multi-layered acoustic guitars certainly give "Long Way Down" it's magnificence and powerful presence."That Was Then" is reminiscent of Don Henley's work when he released his solo material without the Eagle's sidemen. The country-rock feel with a powerful pop beat gives "That Was Then" it's very danceable quality. "That Was Then" has a melody that lifts one's spirit, even with a message in the lyrical content that does not render an extreme exuberance. The acoustic rhythm guitar and the electric rhythm guitar compliment Ken Boynton's vocals in the intro of "Run Away." When the whole band kicks in, "Run Away" is transformed into one of the finest slow rock pieces on the album. The harmony vocals are ace, as are the lead vocals. The lead guitar work is straight out of the book of Eric Clapton riffs, with a Strat blues flavor and expression that will melt any guitar lover's heart. "Get to Me" has a funk feel in the tight drum work, and the syncopated nature makes for an extremely tight presentation. "Get to Me" feels like a huge production piece, that at times seems very flamboyant, but the magnetic groove in the melody is so infectious that one can not help but get totally into the piece. Once again, the vocals and the lead guitar work are of the highest quality presentations. The folk-rock feel of "5 People" is masterfully blended with some exceptional lyrics, creating a piece that hooks the listener with two potent ingredients. The accordion and harmonica add yet another melodic dimension to the multi-dimensional album. The album closes with a hidden song that has a mellow quality, and Ken Boynton croons out the lyrics with a perfectly blended harmony track. The piano accompaniment compliments the vocals, while the acoustic rhythm guitar creates a balance between the two mediums. Ken Boynton has created an album that has familiarity while boasting originality. The lyrics are masterpieces in their own poetic right, but accented with the melodic instrumentation the pieces are transformed into compositions that are timeless aural gems. With Ken Boynton's talent of covering multiple genres, Find a Way can be enjoyed by all listeners with an interest in American music at it's best.