As the unofficial “heartland rock guy” here at SoT -- maybe living in the Upper Midwest has something to do with that -- I have the privilege of reviewing albums by unsung artists who often draw comparisons to the likes of John Mellencamp, Bob Seger and Michael Stanley and deserve a brighter spotlight.
Such is the case with rocker -- and Trail Lawyer Hall of Fame inductee(!) -- Gary Douglas and his E Street-sounding band. Deep in the Water takes its name from the title track, which is about litigation Douglas spearheaded when representing multiple plaintiffs battling DuPont over injuries they sustained from the chemical giant’s illegal dumping of dangerous substances into the Ohio River. The Brooklyn-born songwriter sings proudly and unflinchingly, his anthemic music reflecting his day-job bonafides as a product liability and environmental lawyer who isn’t afraid to take on the corporate big boys.
Not all of these songs are rebel rockers or about sticking it to the man, though, and most of them are memorable and occasionally infused with organ, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, accordion, fiddle and, on the blues-rocker “Wild Child," harmonica courtesy of Southside Johnny.
Produced and mixed by Niko Bolas, whose credits include Neil Young and Warren Zevon, Deep in the Water should help justice prevail and propel the Gary Douglas Band and its lively, heartfelt songs to larger audience.
Track Listing:
1. River Road
2. Million Miles
3. Deep in the Water
4. Oh My, Oh My
5. Devil in Her Soul
6. Nothing Ever Goes As Planned
7. Wild Child
8. Won’t Say No
9. Do You Wanna Go
10. Losing You
11. Say What You Want to Say
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