Stephen Paul Wallace – These Roads

by CHARLIE ANDERSON 
3.5 stars out of 5
Even after spending only a little time with Stephen Paul Wallace’s latest album, These Roads, it is easy to comprehend that he is one interesting fellow. Wallace’s time spent in the Bay Area in the late seventies is reflected in his Garcia-like lyrics that tell his stories of travel, climbing and writing. Like Johnny Cash’s American IV, Wallace’s last release seems to hold a great deal of reflection upon a certainly illustrious life. The title track aptly describes Wallace’s attraction to the road, proclaiming that “Everything I’ve known, every seed I’ve sown/lies along these long and winding roads.” Each song creates an image of the towns Wallace has passed through, with Beth Williams accentuating his travels with her voice. Be sure to stop by the Swing Station Mondays to hear Stephen Paul Wallace tell his impressive stories.