WhatzUp

It’s What’s Inside That Counts
Duane Eby
by Jason Hoffman Inside

After playing frequent gigs in Fort Wayne for the past 25 years, Duane Eby has amassed quite a large number of musical friends. And despite being the principal songwriter for the acoustic quartet Point of Departure, he’s also managed to hoard an immense number of songs that had yet to find a proper home. Thus it was that Eby enlisted 20 or so of his friends (a literal “who’s who” of the Fort Wayne music scene) to record, oh, a mere 20 songs for It’s What’s Inside That Counts.

Ten seconds into “Keep On Movin’” - with its gruff guitars, slight world vibe and serene floating flute - you know that this is no adolescent nu-punk rock album. While a strong song in its own right, “Keep On Movin’” sets the tone for the rest of the album, a kind of metaphysical journey that leads the listener through Eby’s thoughts and wisdom.

Fewer songs than one might expect deal with love and relationships, but those that do are quite poignant. The tranquil “To You” has an intimate chamber music feel, with oboe and viola added to an acoustic piano, while Eby confesses “I’ve never given to anyone / I didn’t think I could / Taking was how I learned to live.” Not to be outdone “Heal Me” is a beautiful midnight confessional, a plea to fill the emptiness accompanied by a stark piano. This song is immediately followed by “Safe Chair,” an intense and foreboding dark pop song whose bowed bass is a gritty bonus to a memorable melody.

Eby encourages the listener to “Have Hope” in a world where “Living here today is so complex / We sometimes want to end it all.” With great music that is half acoustic Zeppelin and half 70s soft rock, it’s easy to want to stick around. He further explores the sorrows of this world in “Happy Ending,” a mesmerizing and sobering song where “Snow White doesn’t always get Prince Charming.” Not to leave the listening hanging, Eby quickly follows up with the invigorating “And We Run,” complete with sitar. Yes, a real sitar. On nearly any other album this instrument would seem out of place, but when joined to Eby’s spiritual lyrics it is most appropriate. The sitar leads to a rollicking rock song that culminates in a running toward a hopeful future while searing guitars bring the album to a close.

Other songs showcase Eby’s talents on a variety of instruments in a variety of styles. “Step Up” is an encouraging combination of “I Am The Walrus” and Randy Newman-esque pop, while “Bend Down” and “Step Into The Light” incorporate playful reggae beats and vocal harmonies into a rock base. “Still Hung Up” is a wonderful love song built on piano and fleshed out with orchestral backing, exploding in an extended guitar solo that packs a massive emotional punch.

The mature songwriting and intense lyrics easily reveal that Duane Eby alone has more musical experience than the sum of many entire bands. With styles that span generations, it’s easy to find something you like, and love, on It’s What’s Inside That Counts. Treat yourself to this magical expedition of self discovery and musical mastery by stopping by a neighborhood Wooden Nickel or clicking to www.cdbaby.com