It’s not a secret that musicians lead difficult lives with soaring ups and, as the songs featured on this blog indicate, mostly downs. Kilzer’s life story will sound familiar — phenomenal success in the ’90s followed by years of picking up the pieces. But Kilzer made it through alright — he’s a minister in Memphis now, and often plays shows with Rick Steff of Lucero. It seems to me that this is the most sustainable kind of musical life. But thanks to the Internet, Kilzer can spread his music, as it justly deserves to be.
I don’t think anyone really knows what attracts them to some musicians and not others. Speaking of Lucero, I have yet to hear a song by them that makes me feel compelled to listen a whole album, though clearly they’re the inspiration for basically everyone featured on here. And, to be honest, that’s how I feel about Hide Away.
However, everyone knows good music when they spot it, and Kilzer’s got a breathtaking command of storytelling and lyricism. Hide Away isn’t necessarily to my taste but I featured it here because, if it’s your bag, you deserve to know about it.
Hide Away
Lay Down
Sleeping In the Rain
John Kilzer — Facebook, Purchase from Archer Records