I'm Blessed!
That does not make me unique , of course only fortunate.
Regardless, I still consider myself lucky because in this particular time and space with Okanagan Musicians Magazine my job is to connect with a variety of musical characters, talk with them about life and listen to their creations. Not a bad job, eh?

The blessed part comes in the fact that for the most part they are top quality people . Cases in point are the two artists I feature in this issue. Noel Wentworth and Sherman Doucette. Wonderful people , wonderful musicians and songwriters.

A name of note in the local music world. Mr. Wentworth comes by his musical skills both genetically and through years of study and practice. And it shows. From the first point of contact with Noel there is a scence of a young man with a drive and passion for his music. And much like his appropriately titled new CD Change it is clear that Noel has come through some trying times and emerged with a new perspective and confidence.

Clear and simple Change is a delightful CD of introspections by a talented , sensitive musician. Like many artists he has painted his pain and passion on a canvas of musical scales. Noel takes listeners through his journey with wonderful vocals and tremendous guitar skills, some superb lyrics and gifted songwriting. His charming good looks and warm personality make Noel Wentworth and Change a pretty solid package.

In addition, Wentworth surrounded himself with talented musicians and technical sorts on some tunes including Scott Grant, Peter Glockner, Lora Wentworth, Frank Basile, and Davidicus Schacher.

Change kicks off with a toe tapping, snappy song Make Way For Me , followed immediately by the boppy catchy Something About Me's Changed . The first true glimpse of Noel's outstanding halting vocal skills and songwriting skills, however , appears on song three Stuck Inside This Moment - which may be the tune that gets him the attention he deserves. Song four , This Is Where I Make Believe provides more of the same great lyrics and vocals along with his strong guitar skills, as does the superb Who Will Find My Dreams Tomorrow (" I worry bout my heart it always seems to change . No matter what I start it winds up rearranged, " and "Regrets a vicious friend, her screaming hurts my ears").

I feel like I've stepped back into a Micheal Stanley Band jam session when the very catchy The One That Got Away spins away at song position number nine. Great Stuff.

From a pure radio marketing standpoint Good Times , Good Friends , Some Beer and A Radio hits the mark.

With this album nearly finished my cynic side was desperately searching for a point of criticism and so just prior to the final cut I asked myself the old standby litmus test of CD reviews. "So can the kid ever do a song with just himself and his guitar?" No sooner was the thought verbalized than sure enough Noel Kicked into his hauntingly beautiful love song titled These Four Reasons. Noel saved his best for last. If These four reasons does not give you a lump in your throat then you are probably dead or may as well be. Like the recent CD's released by Ryan Donn and Greg Sczebel I find myself playing Noel's Change over and over . This is another Must have for your local CD collection. Enough said.

To learn more about Noel or to order a copy of his CD check his web site at www.noelwentworth.com. There's probably a good chance you might find a copy at Wentworth Music as well . but, hey - I'm just guessing.

Noel would like to thank Teena Clipston and Okanagan Musician for the reprint of this article.