A Hidden treasure
Never has an album title been so aptly used than with Darrell Scott's The Invisible Man. Since the age of sixteen Scott has been so deeply involved in crafty classic Americana tracks that it is almost slightly embarrassing to admit never having heard his work before. This is a man who has penned tracks for multi selling artists such as The Dixie Chicks and Faith Hill, a man who has just produced his own sixth album and yet many people would be hard pressed to actually comprehend how pivotal he is to the Country/American market. Make no doubt though, after just one listen of The Invisible Man, Scott no longer remains in the shadows as his near perfect blend of humour, honesty and real life tales truly brings his world alive, bringing a little slice of Americana to life as each acoustically pure melody ease their way out of the stereo.
Even those who deem the blend of Americana and country as being a genre of music they can not relate to will find a certain spark with Scott's song writing ability, for even though his story telling may be rooted in the deep south, there is an universal appeal that breeds an inherent sense that he could be singing about your life as much as anyone else's, resulting in it being near on impossible not to be drawn into Scott's world. And what a world. The Invisible Man brings elements of Americana to life, delivering tales of Hank William's Ghost and words of caution about "women in red" and "men in black" that flow on an unmistakable melody that simply screams country as he masterfully creates a soundscape that could have strolled directly out of Nashville.
Like all the great story tellers, Scott takes the listener on a journey throughout The Invisible Man. From the jaunty foot tapping march of 'Hank Williams' Ghost' that embraces classic touches of a true country track, Scott goes onto contemplate life with the more sedate 'There's A Stone Around My Belly' before the raw honesty of 'Do It Or Die Trying' delivers a fist full of truth and contempt that somehow touches the same emotions as Scott's more mellow offerings.
Darrell Scott is a hidden treasure that everyone should take time to at least attempt to discover. His song writing ability is second to none, producing songs that take you on a journey with him, relating his experiences to your own until you discover a familiarity with his work. Forget any preconceptions you may have about this genre, this is most defiantly not an album suitable only for those who have had a love affair with artists from Nashville. Simply enjoy it for what it is; a charming slice of forgotten America that is laced with good old fashioned story telling.