New CD Review of...
Joe Beleznay
Running To Be Gone
By: Nicole Roberge
Joe Beleznay is captivating. It’s as simple as that. There is no glossy production with his songs—just raw, honest, true music, and it is that rare prowess that makes this Connecticut-based singer-songwriter so distinctive. He creates music with such permanence and valor, gently fusing music into an expression of the words. This is evident on his recent release, “Running To Be Gone”—a six-song EP of gallant measure and extraordinary proficiency.
“Running To Be Gone” opens with “For The Night,” and introduces us to Beleznay’s electrifying intensity, driven by strong instrumentation with vibrancy radiating through Beleznay’s vocals. The jubilant groove breaks with light acoustics, reminiscent of a summer evening, but never losing the vigor he has garnered throughout the song.
“Something New” follows, and glides with the simplicity of Beleznay’s steering voice accompanied with an acoustic guitar, then slides in to the next chorus with light percussion. His lingering voice skims the surface of the song, an inviting glance into his inspired songwriting. Two minutes in, the tempo picks up, and the band kicks in—an unexpected yet welcome surprise, creating a splendid song. The song closes on the mellow opening note, thus demonstrating the clever and crafty approach Beleznay takes not only in his songwriting, but his overall approach to the sound of his music.
“Picture Me” is an upbeat, catchy, song with an inexplicable feel of youth, but centering on the ideas of regret, acknowledgment and evolution. Here, he sings, “Picture me/cover of magazine/when the lights go out/ I wanna burn that bright.” It is candid and earnest, and presents a real image of Beleznay as a songwriter.
The next song on the EP is “Say Anything,” which has a lighter feel to it, with an acoustic groove that mingles with djembe percussion to create an overall mood of soothing comfort. Beleznay has the unique ability and passion in his songs that invite you in and ask you to stay a while. Here, he offers you a cup of tea. It is delightful and savoring, and his heartfelt approach to it is never too lost within the music. It is a perfect blend.
“Lonely But Free” is a gorgeous ode to a life, and moving on. He sings with such sentiment, “Was it everything you hoped it would be/Are you living lonely but free?” “Running To Be Gone” closes on “Strings,” a somber and beautiful song, light in instrumentation with sincere and striking lyrics. An affecting close to a poignant and illustrious album.
Joe Beleznay presents himself here in the midst of six compelling and genuine songs, never losing the listener’s attention for a moment, and always capturing a certain emotion to bring the listener with him. He is a true storyteller but never distracts the listener with the story, instead he relates to them, calling them into his world. “Running To Be Gone” is that rare CD that you can listen to at one moment, and then at another, and enter an entirely different world from where you had been the first time. There is always something to keep coming back to, which is why Joe Beleznay will be making music for a long time.
For more information on Joe Beleznay, visit www.joebeleznay.com, and to purchase “Running To Be Gone,” which you should, go to www.awarestore.com.