College freshman Ryan Buck has taken a bold step in releasing his first album of original songs, with a title that is a mouthful. Called Ubiquitous, the album at once tries to present itself as being bigger than it is. The term ubiquitous means “being everywhere at all times.” Here the implication is that the songs either could fit any circumstance because they have universal themes or that they have no genre and could fit into any musical style.  The latter may be Buck’s intention, though, for the most part, the songs fit into college singer/songwriter Americana.

On the album, Buck plays acoustic guitar, keys, drums, and a fuzz-busted electric guitar solo on “Come Back to Me,” which Buck co-wrote with Bryan Wertz.  He is supported by Joe Wilkinson on bass and Joy Zimmerman on violin.

The eleven songs on the album are naked for the most part, guitar and vocals with little embellishment. What is included supports the songs well. “Let’s Go Far Away” is made all the stronger by background vocals from Eli Chamberlain, Alex Holsinger, and Joy Zimmerman of the group On the Record.

There are some interesting touches. “On the Horizon” has a Donovan drone. “Running,” with its talky Broadway musical vocals and piano work, captures the feel of a leisurely run. And “Happy Song” is, well, happy.

Though the album reflects Buck’s growing facility with words, melodies, and instruments, it also reveals his lack of  experience. A lot of the melody lines are similar with little variation between songs, and some of the writing is often naïve.

However, there are two pieces on the album that are outstanding and show the remarkable potential of this Buck. “October Morning,” a tune written in reaction to the brutal slaying of Matthew Shepard, has intelligent, sensitive lyrics, and his vocals are enhanced by his guitar and piano work and by Joy Zimmerman’s lyrical violin. It is a moving, well-produced track. Equally strong is the solo piano tune “Open Mind.” It is a moody jazz piece with interesting textures that are pure genius. Those two tracks alone are worth buying the album and putting on a permanent loop in an iPod.

Though Ubiquitous may not send listeners into a mad quiver of ecstasy, it does showcase Ryan Buck’s potential. At this point in an artist’s career, it is understandable to want to record everything he or she has written.  Once Ryan Buck has developed a more extensive repertoire, he will cull gems like “October Morning” and “Open Mind” from the lot and produce a truly remarkable CD.  It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this young artist.

Review by Janie Franz

Janie Franz, Reviews Ryan Buck, Ubiquitous