I was so thrilled when I heard that Rod Picott would be at Black-Volk Festival. We love him dearly. It was so lovely to talk with him, about Maine and aging parents and the like. I love Rod. He’s got that sparkle in his eyes that I like. The kind that quickly acknowledges the humor or the sadness of a moment. He’s ridiculously good looking and that always startles me for a moment but then I don’t notice it. One of the things that is nice about turning 60 is being comfortable with yourself enough to bellow, “ROD, COME TALK TO ME!” And he did. I love him.
I swear he played one the best sets I’ve heard him do. It absolutely flew by for me. I think the new album, Paper Hearts and Broken Arrows is right up there with his masterpiece, Welding Burns (this is one of my highest compliments). His singing sounded incredibly strong to me too. I don’t know if he’s aged perfectly into his voice somehow or what it was but, well, good lord, he was just utterly wonderful. I could not love him more. Could. Not. Love. Him. More. Brilliant songwriting, and he did Washington County which I love so much. If Owen had been there we would have asked for Sheetrock Hanger but it didn’t seem right without Owen. Next time.
For every Springsteen who climbs the ladder to world acclaim, there is a Rod Picott, every bit as adept and as insightful, but destined to walk in the lesser glare of such spotlights.
Paul McGee, Lonesomehighway.com
I was not at all prepared to speak, so be kind.Thanks to Matt Starks for the video
Thank you Rod, with all our hearts. You made the night so special. ❤️
Now take a look at this great review:
Rod Picott Paper Hearts and Broken Arrows
Lonesomehighway.com
Review by Paul McGee
It could just be a marriage made in heaven; the pairing of Rod Picott and Neilson Hubbard. The decision to call upon the many talents of Hubbard is a master stroke here, and his superbly crafted production suits the reflective playing and words of Picott just perfectly. Hubbard also contributes piano, percussion and harmony vocals, along with the impressive Juan Solodzano (pedal steel, slide guitar), Lex Price (bass, tenor guitar), and Evan Hutchins (drums). It’s a tight-knit unit and the interplay is gently sublime, with Picott sounding both fragile and born again on acoustic guitar and suitably worn-but-knowing vocals. All twelve songs are written by Picott, including four co-writes, and, over forty-plus minutes, we are treated to a real look behind the curtain of this musical troubadour.
Picott was born in New Hampshire, raised in Maine and has lived in Nashville for twenty-five years. Over this time, he has released fourteen albums, written two books of poetry, published a volume of short stories and had his music feature on both television and film projects. By any definition, a successful career as a professional musician, and proof positive that we are dealing with a singer songwriter of some gravitas. For every Springsteen who climbs the ladder to world acclaim, there is a Rod Picott, every bit as adapt and as insightful, but destined to walk in the lesser glare of such spotlights. From his early years as a construction worker, Picott has successfully captured the story songs of everyman, from the blue- collar worker to the lost souls and underdogs who never find their true direction. His vulnerable empathy has always been a strength and his desire to endure his greatest asset, as he continues to create music of a consistently high standard. READ MORE