In “Texas Travelling Hero”, a centerpiece song on Make Amends, New York City expatriate and current Nashvillian Andy Scheinman affectionately depicts “a Texas travelling troubadour” who “could sing just like Tom Russell/Playing all the country bars.” But Scheinman also could be describing his own music in this tale: “Songs about no one/Someone close to home/He had a wild imagination/But his stories all were true.”
His 13 passionately written songs could play as either fiction or fact. When a man confesses in the poignant relationship post-mortem “Conversation” that “I’m not sorry that I loved you/I’m sorry ’bout this mess/Let’s just say I’m sorry,” it isn’t important if these lyrics are autobiographical; they ring true because they speak honestly.
While Scheinman creates some strong, often memorable lyrics, he still has a ways to go. In “Pray for This”, he shoots for some John Prine-like irony, but his imagery (a stray dog coming to a door as a lover departs) isn’t as evocative or darkly comic as prime Prine.
Effectively mixing jaunty midtempo tunes with quiet ballads, Scheinman is superbly supported by producer Tommy Spurlock’s guitar, mandolin and steel guitar; Steve Conn’s keyboards; and Ollie O’Shea fiddle. The subtle but skillful arrangements help to make Scheinman’s words resonate fully.
