“It’s a celebration. A coming-of-age of sorts,” explains Carmen Sclafani about Wiser Time’s latest release, Beggars And Thieves. “It’s the first album that I’ve done where I truly feel at ease with myself in the studio and with a band.”
It comes as a bit of a surprise to read when you consider just how far Sclafani has come since introducing Wiser Time to audiences in 2005, and what has taken him to places across the United States as well as abroad with often little more than a guitar slung across his shoulder. Perhaps it’s that very journey that has created that sense of ease and given Beggars And Thieves a stark contrast in sound from previously recorded Wiser Time records.
That sound in most cases is a stripped down, rootsy account of the places Wiser Time has been, and told in such a way that would be better suited from some back porch with a bottle of bourbon and some close friends. It’s the sound of America’s roots.
“These are stories from the road, and some deeply personal moments,” says Sclafani about the nine tracks that are Beggars And Thieves. “I think the songs are gonna make people feel like they’re sitting right there next to me or the band in the car or motel.”
In some cases people were literally, right there when the album was recorded at a friend’s studio in Brooklyn, NY. For three days, the band was surrounded by friends and musicians to take part in, and celebrate what has become Wiser Time.
“I wanted to share this with people who have supported me from the beginning and have watched it all evolve,” says Sclafani. “This record is really the end of a period in my life and the beginning of another, so to be able to celebrate it with so many people is something really wonderful.”
And celebrate they did, capturing the true spirit of rock n roll that seems to have long since disappeared in these days when so many bands seem to prefer to use technology or the isolation of home recording to create music.
“We wanted to be together for the whole thing and just get into the whole vibe of it,” recalls Sclafani. “We were up all hours, having a great time, crashing on moving blankets and trying any idea that came to mind.”
So if this is in fact a new beginning of sorts for Sclafani and the band, perhaps it’s only fitting that Wiser Time’s latest release takes listeners back in time to the sounds of traditional American roots. Like troubadours of old and for a brief moment in time, living like beggars and thieves.
LOVE AND DEVOTION
Music & Lyrics: C. Sclafani
You can talk about a change in the weather
You can tell me that our lives would be better
But I always thought we can rise above
And I remember the times we were together
And I would never, ever fall shy as to whether
I would ever want to do it over again
I would never, for a minute, reconsider the notion
I’m all in it for a little bit of love and devotion
Even though some hearts may be broken
There may be words that you and I have never spoken
But I’m hoping that love will keep us together
ON OUR WAY
Music & Lyrics: C. Sclafani
I was leaving New York City to meet my baby, heading south, down to the Florida state line
Trying to reach the border on a second wind in 21 hours, with many miles already behind
The sun was shining and our spirits were strong, and we were rolling, on and on
To see my baby, and we’re on our way
We met some trouble with some Jacksonville trucker when we pulled into the station
Then right down to the ocean for 400 miles, straight through the pouring rain
When we get to where we’re going I wanna rest my weary head and wash my body clean from this day
Then squeeze my baby, and we’re on our way
A shot of Brandy in the morning would feel so good, and lift all this weight from my mind
Well, I don’t know what to do, but to get to you I know we got to keep making time
So with a little bit of luck and this old Peterbuilt truck, we gonna get there by the end of the day
To see my baby, and we’re on our way
TAKE ME BACK HOME
Music & Lyrics: C. Sclafani
I could see you were acting a little
Sweet smile, then a tilt of a bottle
Well I’m here to climb a mountain
But I can wait til tomorrow
Stormy woman, take me away
With a smile to match the bright lights on these streets of LA
I can sing my song, and walk on out alone
But I’ve got one thing on my mind,
For you to take me back home
You look so fine, the way you move
Your rose tatoo, so little
You can change my mind, if you’re good
I just might stay forever
IT’S HARD LETTING YOU GO
Music & Lyrics: C. Sclafani
So here we are at the end of the line
And all I can do is wonder
This precious love that we feel inside
Still why can’t we be together
There are no flowers in my garden since we’ve been apart
There is no feeling left in my smile
We should be making love instead of searching for another
But now you’re moving on with your life, so I guess I’ll try with mine
But it’s hard letting you go
The time apart makes the heart grow or crumble
I can’t get you off my mind
You’re my love until the end of time
But it’s hard letting you go
So now you’ve learned the meaning of love
But now I’m left here on my own, and that’s the price I paid
But know, you’re all I ever wanted
You are my home, and now I’m a king without a crown
And now you give your love to another
And I hope and know that you’ll be fine
But it should be you and I together
Maybe another run, in a different time
But it’s hard letting you go
The time apart makes the heart grow or crumble
I can’t get you off my mind
You’re my love until the end of time
But it’s hard letting you go
And I don’t want to lose you, baby
REVOLUTION 09
Music & Lyrics: C. Sclafani
Open your mind
I’ve seen lights, now I want some action
You better think twice, before it’s gone
Stand up if you wanna grow
Stand up if you want to let it go
Cause we can start a revolution
Change is gonna take time
But I’m inclined to find satisfaction
Give it to me right, not wrong
Stand up if you wanna know
Stand up if you wanna let it show
Cause we can start a revolution
KEEP IT ON
Music & Lyrics: D. Schneider & C. Sclafani
Keep it going
On and on, let the music flow
Cause on a good day you can let yourself go, on and on
I feel it now, deep down in my soul
And I know what’s left for me
And I know what needs to be done
I keep it on
Take it slow
Take it easy, mama
Don’t you want my love to last? Cause it’s a good, good thing
Keep it going
On and on, let your river flow
Cause I can make it flow
I feel it now, deep down in my soul
And I know what’s left for me
And I know what needs to be done
I keep it on
On and on
WHISKEY AND WINE
Music & Lyrics: C. Sclafani
Duffy was a big money broker who never had time for a wife
And he always had money in his pocket, and he stayed up all hours of the night
He was livin’ on coffee and cigarettes
Smoke a pack if you are inclined, but give me whiskey and wine
Lilly was living the rich life of a pretty little socialite
And she didn’t have much of an ambition, but she knew she would have a good time
She was livin’ on credit cards and cocaine
Chop another line if you like, but give me whiskey and wine
Marty was the neighborhood tour guide
He was working pubs on the upper west side
And he could tell you one end from the other, and he’d draw a picture if you’d like
He was livin on Stella’s and percocets
Take a half-and-one to feel fine, but give me whiskey and wine
Livin’ on coffee and cigarettes
Smoke a pack if you are inclined, but give me whiskey and wine
Livin’ on credit cards and cocaine
Chop another line if you like, but give me whiskey and wine
Smokin’ those Camels or whatchamacall
Take a drag or two to feel high
Whiskey and wine
WORKING MAN’S BLUES
Music & Lyrics: S. Decker
I wanna tell you a story, when I was far from finding my way
Went travelin’ onward, all just to get through my day
Gonna find my way
Gonna lift my sadness, all just from workin’ each day
Gone is this lowdown, feelin’ I can’t get away
Gonna find my way
And I was walkin’
I was long from the place that I stay
Pass on my words now
I’ve just been workin’ each day
Gonna find my way
SEAGULL
Written by Mick Ralphs & Paul Rodgers. Published by WB Music Group (ASCAP). Copyright 1974
NOTES
- Love And Devotion
- On Our Way
- Take Me Back Home
- It’s Hard Letting You Go
- Revolution 09
- Keep It On
- Whiskey And Wine
- Working Man’s Blues
- Seagull
Wiser Time’s third studio album, “Beggars And Thieves” was released on February 12, 2010.
Executive Producer: Carmen Sclafani
Produced by: Wiser Time
Recorded by: Tom Camuso at Studio E
Mastered by: Chris Gehringer at Stirling Sound
Cover Photo: Gwyn Farley
Art & Design: Carmen Sclafani
MUSICIANS:
Peter Becker: Backgrounds
Ryan Bull: Guitar
Rob Clores: Hammond B3, Piano, Wurlitzer
Jon Cornell: Bass
Steve Decker: Drums, Guitar, Percussion
Bruce Jepson: Backgrounds
Patches: Backgrounds
Gary Oleyar: Violin
Carmen Sclafani: Guitars, Mandolin, Slide Guitar, Vocals, Backgrounds
Jimmy Somma: Guitar, Slide Guitar
Damon Trotta: Bass