Track of the Day: Wise Inspirations – Ruby Red (2023)
The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist, composer, author and songwriter Eric Wise, Wise Inspirations expresses profound tales through various genres. From folk and jazz to blues, rock and orchestral pieces, US-based Wise is a melodic expression of humanity at its most vulnerable. He began releasing music this year (at least according to Spotify) with the debut folk single ‘Pocket Full A Songs’ followed by the well-received country track ‘Sweet Seduction’. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Ruby Red’.
Following his critically acclaimed song ‘Oasis’, ‘Ruby Red’ fuses vintage pop sounds with a modern-day folk-pop/indie-folk tone. A nostalgic whiff of The Beatles flutters about the melody while the stylings of Tom Odell and Jason Mraz shimmer in the background; however, just are similarities to globally recognised musicians, an obscurity exists in ‘Ruby Red’ making it inimitable.
One aspect I find intriguing about Wise Inspirations is how each song is entirely different to the other. Not a singer himself, Eric Wise draws together the natural talent of various artists with each single. Embracing acoustic simplicity, ‘Ruby Red’ combines the boldness of Peter Tintendo’s guitar with Mike Kelly’s warm upright bass; however, just as there is a bare-bones starkness in the song, Ken Clark’s organ brings a slight edge to the acoustic soundscape.
Just as Wise Inspirations’ songs are toe-tapping, smile-inducing and engaging on a melodic level, the theme is as profound and intricate. In ‘Pocket Full A Songs’, Eric Wise and his troupe told us about “a simple man who uses music to get by in difficult times”, and in ‘Sweet Seduction’ they tackled temptation. ‘Ruby Red’ explores the complexity of homelessness scratching beneath the surface of these down-on-their-luck individuals.
The melody may be soothing with a hint of grittiness, but it is John Long’s vocals that capture the intensity of the theme. With a slight gruffness in his voice, you hear vulnerability, fragility and melancholic despair; however, just as there is despair, a light shines at the end of the tunnel as we seriously consider the depth of being homeless. Ultimately, a wave of compassion, concern and heartfelt tenderness brings us that step closer to understanding and accepting Ruby Red.
For more from Wise Inspirations, check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
