Tim Dillinger: The Muse (Icons Pen Media).(Sound recording review)(Brief article)

Reading Nashville singer-singer songwriter Tim Dillinger's bio, one would think that any project he was involved in would collapse under the sheer weight of his influences and inspirations; many artists before him have tried the everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach with disastrous results. It's a testament to his raw talent (and skill of primary producer Dale Babb's project coordination) that makes this work hold together. Dillinger wants The Muse to be a gospel album, spoken word show, R & B concert and songwriting workshop all at once--and he absolutely succeeds.

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Floating from 1970s orchestral soul ballads to gospel wailers to danceable hip hop, Dillinger weaves his tenor through lyrics on everything from romance ("That's The Kind Of Love") to shady music industry ...