Gregg Hill’s album, Bayou St. John, released on Skippy Records, immediately evokes a familiar and comforting feeling, reminiscent of the storytelling prowess of John Prine and Guy Clark. This 8-track collection, Hill’s sixth CD, is a gentle yet disciplined exploration of life around Bayou St. John in New Orleans. Produced by Gregg Hill himself, alongside Roland Guerin, who also contributes on bass and vocals, the album is a Louisiana-rooted project through and through. Doug Belote on drums, and vocal contributions from Joy Clark, Lynn Drury, and Jesse Hill further enrich the album’s texture. Recorded in Louisiana, Bayou St. John captures the essence of its namesake location.
Gregg Hill, musician and creator of the album Bayou St. John, pictured in a promotional shot.
While a technical analysis could delve into the music, performance, and production of Bayou St. John, the most striking aspect is Hill’s exceptional storytelling. He masterfully weaves narratives into his arrangements, creating songs that are not only musically engaging but also lyrically captivating. The charm of Bayou St. John lies in its ability to connect with listeners through relatable and cleverly crafted stories.
Take, for instance, the whimsically titled track “Oh-Dee-Aye.” This song, defined as “oh, yes!”, is pure musical joy. Its cheerful vocals and upbeat New Orleans-style piano playing are infectious. The playful melodies are reminiscent of the late Jimmy Buffett’s feel-good anthems. The title itself may even subtly nod to St. Steven’s 1969 song “Aye-Aye-Poe-Day,” a track that, like Hill’s album, hints at Louisiana influences.
Gregg Hill’s songwriting on Bayou St. John isn’t about profound statements or complex themes. It’s about the simple pleasure of sharing joy and wonder through music. While Hill’s vocal style is distinctly his own, the inspirational well he draws from resonates with the spirits of Prine and Clark. To even share a musical kinship with such revered songwriters speaks volumes about Hill’s artistry on Bayou St. John.
There’s a timeless quality to Hill’s music, an “old soul” sensibility evident in tracks like “Big Blue Moon.” His melodic structures evoke vintage sounds, perhaps echoing artists like Leon Redbone, known for his own appreciation of bygone musical eras. One could easily imagine Redbone lending his distinctive vocals to a Gregg Hill tune from Bayou St. John.
The album’s strength isn’t in flashy instrumental solos, but in creating a mood, a feeling of relaxed contentment. Bayou St. John is an invitation to unwind and sing along, a feeling Hill achieves consistently across all tracks. None of the songs on Bayou St. John feel contrived or forced; they are genuine expressions of musical storytelling.
Key tracks that highlight the album’s appeal include “Places In Between,” “New Orleans Again,” “Oh-Dee-Aye,” “Magnolia Bridge,” and “Big Blue Moon.” Bayou St. John offers a 27-minute escape into Gregg Hill’s musical world, a world deeply rooted in the Louisiana bayou and delivered with warmth and sincerity. For a deeper dive, explore more about Gregg Hill at his website https://gregghill.com.
