Derek Vanderhorst - Wildflower (2022)
According to Vanderhorst's press release, he is "obsessed with sound."
He's known in Hollywood as a musician, sound designer, and re-recording mixer for TV and the movies. His specialty is blending dialogue and music to create a film's soundtrack. He's worked on hundreds of films since 1991 including No Country For Old Men, Hidden Figures - and quite recently - The Eyes of Tammy Faye.
On the personal side, several years ago Vanderhorst wasdiagnosed with stage 4 head and neck cancer. He was told he might lose both his hearing and his voice, and there was also the distinct possibility he could become another fatal statistic. Fortunately, the singer-songwriter became one of the lucky survivors as he's now been cancer free for five years. His diagnosis and survival helped inspire Wildflower - his new, debut album.
During his recovery Vanderhorst realized that he must pursue his love of music in a deeper, more personal way. “It’s one thing to learn to sing better and it’s another to literally find your voice again. When I almost lost my voice, I realized how much I had to say through song.” So, after many hours of rehab he wrote 150 songs and recorded 11 of them for Wildflower. The Americana musician elaborated, "It’s an album of metaphorically and emotionally going home and becoming grounded. It’s about finding song and nature and balance in life. Mixed in is also a humorous look at my childhood to present day.”
Even after daily vocal lessons Vanderhorst is aware of his limitations. He describes his voice as "rough" and compares his singing to Bob Dylan and Tom Waits. But let it be known, even with all of his medical problems Vanderhorst is a better singer than either of those legends were in their prime. In fact, his vocals suit his songs perfectly, and on Wildflower his singing may actually be considered an asset.
The songs fall firmly in the country-folk realm but they often have their roots in rock and roll. The brief "Shake Shake Shake" is a tribute - Vanderhorst says - to the punk bands he loved in his youth while its simple lyrics are an expression of love. The song's acoustic guitar and fiddle make it more suited for a hoedown than a rock club.
"Hillbilly Princess" indicates an irreverence the protagonist has toward the establishment without rejecting its values.
"Oh that girl, she’s gonna be the very death of me.
Wouldn’t want it any other way, wouldn’t take it any other way.
Oh, tonight we’ll make a wager, won’t be on our best behavior.
Tomorrow is the time I’ll be praying to my savior
but tonight just ain’t that time."
"Can't Fall In Love With You" is about a woman who apparently left Vanderhorst feeling lonely during his illness and how he can't fall in love with her again. This relationship is officially over.
The title track is an upbeat love song written as a duet specifically to work with singer-songwriter Miranda Lee Richards.
The assembled musicians are a thoroughly professional, seasoned outfit. Gabe Witcher - who played with The Punch Brothers - adds fiddle and a lot of color throughout the album. Percussionist Jimmy Paxson also assisted The Dixie Chicks, Rod Stewart, Stanley Clarke, and Stevie Nicks. Others on this set include bassist Johnny Bradley who supported Gary Cark, Jr., and finally there is Mike Valerio who also played bass. He has worked with Faith Hill and produced this record with help from Vanderhorst.
Wildflower is a quite pleasant debut that should be enjoyed by anyone who favors folk or country music. You surely will not be disappointed.
I haven't thought about this song in years, love it.
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