JD Eicher — Court Street EP
Back in April, about a month into COVID quarantine time, I had just received news that students would not be returning to school and would be finishing off the school year virtually. As the director of a before/after school child care program, that meant I’d continue to be unemployed till at least June when our summer camp would (hopefully) start. I was feeling down and like I had no purpose in my life. It was the first time since I was a teenager that I had no job and would not be able to spend time working with children (one of my passions).
That evening, I saw a post from JD Eicher, a musician I had reviewed a few times in the past and had become friends with over the years. He was releasing a new EP, so I immediately downloaded it and there was the “one little spark” I didn’t realize I was searching for. I had been dreaming of creating this website for the past year or two and in a moment of sadness and despair, the announcement of new music from JD brought on instant inspiration and motivation to not only begin the stages of bringing Music Meds By Mel to life, but to write again. I hadn’t written a review in a couple of years, but as I was listening to his new EP, I was putting pen to paper again and the words were flooding out of me like I had never stopped writing. Since JD’s EP was a huge part of my inspiration, it was only fitting that this would be my first review posted to the website.
Court Street was recorded and produced in Eicher’s home state of Ohio with local musicians, including fellow singer/songwriter, Ryan Humbert. The EP starts off with the appropriately named, “I’m Coming Home.” The first words Eicher sings on this track, “If you’re like me,” indicates immediate connection with his audience. He repeats this phrase throughout the song, following each time with lyrics of questions, doubt, struggles, uncertainties in his life. As the chorus approaches, Eicher sings, “Maybe what I’m really after, ain’t so far away, in fact I feel a pull from where I came.” The harmonies and arrangement that join Eicher at the chorus are like open arms welcoming you home. “I’m Coming Home,” is about the idea of being unsure of which way to go in your life, maybe feeling lost, and returning “home” is where you can find the answers you’re looking for. The idea to return to your roots, whether that be physically going home, or returning to your beliefs, motivation, dreams that you once had but lost along the way for whatever reason. “I’m Coming Home” is a song of promise that things will be ok, not only with the lyrics and beautiful musical composition, but with Eicher’s signature soft spoken, gentle spirit radiating through his vocals.
Evergreen is defined as something that is timeless. Eicher uses this in the second track, “Evergreen” on Court Street as he showcases his well written lyrics and storytelling that makes the listener stop and reminisce about their own lives. With the first words of the chorus, “Don’t you worry ‘bout dying, you’re gonna live forever,” Eicher continues to elaborate throughout the rest of the song as he spreads the message about the legacy that we all leave in this world. He sings about what our ancestors have passed on through each of us and how they all went through their own pain, but they made love, too. When Eicher sings, “I believe in how you’ve lived here, and I believe you’re Evergreen,” he believes that each member of his audience has a lot to give in the world.
The anthem worthy, “I Don’t Want to Be Right,” has a quicker pace and a beat that will have the listener nodding their head or tapping their feet to the music. In the chorus, Eicher sings, “I don’t want to be lost, I don’t want to be found, I want to be here now. I don’t want to be old, I don’t want to be young, I want to be just enough. Maybe I’ve got it wrong, but maybe I don’t wanna be right.” He continues the common theme of relatable lyrics, as many of us have daily fights with ourselves about what we want in life and what direction we’re going.
“Kid” is the undeniable highlight on Court Street. A gift of inspiration and hope, Eicher gives promise to the listener that there will be a light after the dark as he tries to pull you out of that dark place. He’s reaching out to those of us who feel down and like it’s never going to get better with the repetitive lyrics, “You gotta hold on.” You immediately think of a young child who may be dealing with a bully situation at school when you listen to this song, however, “Kid” is universal as both kids and adults can relate to this theme. The combination of keys, soft percussion, guitars, and strings along with Eicher’s sincere vocals are like someone waiting to hold you and let you know it’ll all be alright.
Eicher ends the Court Street EP with the tracks “Thunder” and “Lightning.” He has done something unique and brilliant with these two love songs. He uses the analogy of thunder and lightning to describe the love of his life with lyrics like, “You can be the lightning, I can be the thunder. Anytime you call you can count on my answer.” Eicher demonstrates great lyrical content and clever songwriting with “Thunder” being faster and upbeat musically while “Lightning” is more of a ballad. On “Lightning” he starts by singing, “I don’t know if anything of value really comes from trying to listen to a new song anymore.” He goes on to repeat some of the lyrics from “Thunder,” with the addition of new lyrics to “Lightning.” It seems as though Eicher brings value by repeating another song but with a different arrangement to make his point.
JD Eicher’s Court Street EP is a catalog of songs with a common theme of inspiration and connection with his listeners. His trademark soothing, gentle vocals shine through each track leaving listeners not only wanting more, but yearning to call this kind spirit a friend because when you hear Eicher’s voice, it feels as though he’s personally singing to you. The music arrangement of each track on Court Street is proof that Eicher made the perfect choice when bringing together this team of local musicians to bring his vision to life.
I encourage you to not only listen, download, purchase, the Court Street EP, but to support JD Eicher by following him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter because while his music is well worth the follow, his personality and content also prove to be more than enough to hit those “like” and “follow” buttons. Trust me, you’ll thank me after #EllieWednesday comes around!
