When trying to describe musician Earl J. Rivard in one word, the perfect term to use seems to be “troubadour”. Since he is currently following in the footsteps of his father, one could say that the talent is hereditary. In fact, both Rivard Jr. and Rivard III collaborated to create the younger Rivard’s recently released new album of Underground Railroad.
One of the first things that makes Earl J. Rivard III a true troubadour is the fact that most of the Underground Railroad album is written in a folk music style. The songs on the album are performed with Rivard’s guitar as the main instrument, with other musicians joining in to help add texture to the songs. Sometimes, the only musician is Rivard, just like in the song “Sometimes Love,” which features Rivard’s voice and guitar. The simple choice on the song turns out to the best choice, as the song ultimately is one of the strongest tunes on the release.
Another reason why “troubadour” is the right word to describe Earl J. Rivard III is the fact that many of the songs written by the two Rivards, whether together or separately, are easily termed “poetry set to music”. Many of the songs on Underground Railroad actually tell a story, and many of the stories told by father and son Rivard are romantic in nature. Songs like “Till I Met You” and “The Sun Finally Rose” are written from the perspective of a man who just met a woman who took his breath away. At the same time, the aforementioned “Sometimes Love” is about the ways relationships die “a cool, lingering death,” or “ in a storm”.
With both father and son Rivard being songwriters, one of the tracks on Underground Railroad is very apropos. As many writers often do, both Rivards must have a lot of songs that have never been completed. “Unfinished Songs” tells of that very situation that many writers must know all-too-well, and the ending of the song works very well to emphasize that point.
While the vast majority of this album was written in English, there is another side to the album. The songs “Magdalena” and “Vuelvete” were written and performed in Spanish. The title track has to do with the way people who are here illegally are treated after being discovered. The song definitely fits into Rivard III’s persona as a troubadour, as many of the songs written by troubadours are meant to make people stop and think.
As much as Underground Railroad by Earl J. Rivard is about the pleasant voice of the singer-songwriter, as well as the talent of the musician as a guitarist, the album is also about the songs. Underground Railroad is a wonderful showcase for the songs that were written by the elder Rivard. With this album, the son has captured just a sample of the magic in the songs written by and with his father.
Review by Matheson Kamin
