Jac Holzman's (of Elektra Records) assessment of Paul Siebel proved right:
Siebel really didn't have the ambition necessary to make it in show business.
That, however, didn't mean he couldn't make a great album, so Elektra
matched the songsmith with producer Peter K. Siegel and turned them loose
in the studio. With a shoestring budget, the two men gathered a handful
of fine musicians -- including guitarist David Bromberg, violinist Richard
Greene, and steel guitarist Weldon Myrick -- to record ten Siebel originals
quickly. Despite, or because of, the small budget and lack of time, Siebel
and company crafted an incredible record that still sounds vibrant 30
years after the fact. Woodsmoke and Oranges begins with three gems, the
up-tempo "She Made Me Lose My Blues," the jazzy "Miss Cherry
Lane," and the road song "Nashville Again." Everything
works in harmony here -- Siebel's songs, the vocals, and the sparkling,
multi-layered arrangements. In fact, throughout the album, the arrangements
seem to push the singer forward to deliver taut, heartfelt performances.
The slower ballads equal the upbeat material, with nods going to "Louise"
and "Long Afternoons." Like John Prine, Siebel is a singer/songwriter
who has serious things on his mind, but doesn't forget to write memorable
melodies to accompany the words. Although he'd never outdo his work on
Woodsmoke and Oranges, few artists ever craft an album this good.
(by Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All
Music Guide)
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