Live Songs and Stories

On stage, via songs and stories, David Wilcox is on a mission: to uplift, inspire, and cajole to laughter. This largely solo acoustic live set--Jake Armerding adds a bit of fiddle and mandolin--more than accomplishes that goal. Still, the material, as well as the between-song banter, often comes off with the vague, hopeful spirituality of a motivational speaker. The principal flaw lies in the selections: Wilcox's tougher, smartly detailed work is forsaken for message songs about roads not taken, rusty American dreams, and "kindness that clears my skies." Some of the well-rehearsed stories are genuinely funny, but Wilcox rarely challenges his audience to think or feel beyond New Age platitudes. Fans will delight in reliving his intimate live shows, but newcomers would be better served by wider-ranging, less preachy efforts like East Asheville Hardware or What You Whispered. --Roy Kasten