The Altered Statesman at Greener Groundz in Bowling Green, KY on 7-3-2009. Photo by Pennman.

The Altered Statesman (yes, singular) rolled into town (from Nashville) in July at Greener Groundz. You can often count on something a little bit different from the downtown scene here, and this show was a prime example. Singer/songwriter Steve Poulton’s (THE altered statesman) music is certainly intriguing; generally mellow and bluesy with a hint of jazz here and there via a well-placed discordant chord. So don’t expect to rock out when you go see him. But as I’ve expressed before, variety is the spice of life. Accompanying Mr. Poulton nicely was Michael Backes on acoustic bass and Jennifer Halenar on violin. Poulton plays an electric guitar, but this show had that definite unplugged feel.

Poulton’s tales about life experiences (the tougher side of life) and people (I sensed that they were either real people or at least embellishments of real people) are predominantly on the tragic side. It’s all about truths (often ugly) we all encounter and need to confront somewhere along the road of life; you know, the ones we’d rather take the detours around. I like material like that. The strength of the material was the most impressive thing for me.  The show had an aura of deepness about it.

Performance-wise, Poulton’s high-pitched, wavering, melancholy vocals are perfectly matched to his subject matter, though seemingly, purposefully distorted just enough so you can’t understand all the words. Despite this, there’s no doubt you’re hearing something straight from the soul. The delivery during both sets was quick, no-nonsense, all music, and no filler. Many of the songs have abrupt endings, keeping the audience off balance a bit. Usually I like this. However, it happened so much it lost its’ effectiveness. I thought a little background about the songs might have helped differentiate them. Also, often there are 5 musicians or more in the band. I’m sure the added richness those other players add would certainly make each song stand out more. I strongly sensed there have been and will be better Altered Statesman shows. However, there was enough strength overall in this show that I wanted to play the LP, and I’d definitely like to see them live again, preferably in a 5-person or more configuration.

Not having seen them live before I can only compare this show to the aforementioned self-titled LP (Altered Statesman), which I gave several good listens to. This CD grows on you the more you listen. It can be found/purchased online at blacklabelempire.com/alteredstatesman. You can also download some sample cuts there.

I really liked the added dimensions the other players bring to the table, particularly the organ and piano. There are so many other sounds to explore on the CD, including silence, brass, and lap steel (to only name a few) that you really need to hear it yourself. I think my favorite is track #2 (I don’t know the title since the CD is unmarked and my research turned up empty, but I’ll take a stab and call it “I’m In the Basement”), a tale of financial troubles and some resultant unwise decisions. Other favorites I did find the names of are “Viola Street”, “C Cruise” (about dealing with the everyday parts of life straight), “Bobbie Rose” (a lady hanging with the wrong crowd), “92 Astro” (just the title says regret to me), and “Let’s Be Friends” (about the difficulty of ex-lovers doing that, or even recognizing that past).

As mentioned above, the band is based in Nashville, so go look them up and see them on your next trip down. The next such date on their website is 8/8/2009.

The Altered Statesman performed at Greener Groundz in Bowling Green, KY on 7-3-2009

Venue Notes: Greener Groundz will be starting Bargain Wednesdays every Wednesday at 6 PM (call ahead to make sure one is scheduled). These nights will be featuring some discounted menu items and a live Newgrass group, so check it out. Also, we actually tried the famous pizza tonight (there are several varieties; we had the Thai) and it was great. And don’t forget the rest of the menu, the coffees, and the adult beverages on hand. Nice place for friends to meet. Finally, on August 1, 2009 Le Chat Meow returns. Please see my review of their previous performance at http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2009/04/28/the_amplifier/music/doc49f5d31ece08a039723449.txt, and then go see them.

Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg