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Cross’n Over, the title track of Ethan Azarian’s second solo album, is about death. But far from dwelling on the macabre, this gentle folk song focuses on redemption and renewal: "no more gamblin' and drinkin' / no more taking this good life for granted / and I'm seein' my lovely / on the other side", exalts Ethan. This sets the tone for the rest of the record, which is distinguished by distinctly introspective meditations on love, friendship, and - despite its title - life.
Formerly with the Hollywood Indians beginning in the late eighties and later with Orange Mothers, Azarian was, by many accounts, a "respected pillar of the [Austin] music scene" for nearly two decades. Only recently last year did he opt to pursue his solo career. Among the general public, however, Azarian is more well known for his prolific art career; in 2002, he was voted Best Painter in the Austin Chronicle's annual reader surveys. With the backing of his talented bandmates - Jeff Johnston (vocals, bass, telephone), Gary Newcomb (pedal steel), Conrad Choucroun (drum, singing), Melissa Knight (cello), Clare Surgeson (vocals), and Derek Morris (piano, organs) - Azarian's latest endeavor is a mellow collection of Americana folk. It's hardly rock, nor is it sexy: it's taking that final, lonely smoke on your balcony after a rowdy evening, when you realize that perhaps what you should've done instead was stay home.
On track 2, "Mexico", Azarian conjures up a young couple in an idyllic land, viewed afar from the rose-tinted binoculars of time: "Oh happy lovers / where will you go?" he muses, but it's clear that Azarian knows the answer. This isn't a love story narrated in the present, but one told by someone who's long past those magical, germinal days of discovery. Later, on track 8, "Reaching Out", Azarian philosophizes, "we're all alone / it's just only us." And just when this depressing nihility begins to hits you, he quickly counters, "we're all alone / but it's gonna be okay."
On first listen, Cross'n Over strikes one as a serene, innocent folk record. And yet, delve beneath the pastoral surface and one quickly discovers a deeply contemplative album, imbued with the soul of a grown-up Christopher Robin, having long left the woods in pursuit of a life spent deeply inhaling the intoxicating aromas of earthly delights and now, in august repose, finding himself wanting a little bit of peace and quiet. "Sailin' on the sea / happiness and sorrow all around me / if you see me comin' round, you can take my hand / I am the sailor / gonna help you through this world" he says on "Sailor." Judging from the sincerity in his voice, we're inclined to trust him.
Cross'n Over by Ethan Azarian
(I Eat Records)
Available October 11th
Image: "Cow Sightings" by Ethan Azarian
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I love Ethan Azarian! He puts on a great show too. Definitely worth checking out. The Christopher Robin description is right on, Allen. He has a child-like quality about him that's really endearing.