Economical John T. Baker cooks up darker music

John T. Baker

John T. Baker

KNOXVILLE — Pop-minded local songwriter John T. Baker is obsessed. As a member of countless Knoxville bands of the past and present, the typically shy performer has taken to playing solo for an additional outlet. This, of course, has not prevented his contribution to his usual projects. In fact he has even launched a new one in Econopop, which will provide the necessary support for the vocal harmonies that are a centerpiece in Baker’s newest endeavor, the soon-to-be-released “Woodgrain.”

As a member of French Broads and Westside Daredevils most notably, Baker has achieved recognition locally but says he has always preferred to remain somewhat peripheral in most acts. His solo endeavor (that frequently still incorporates his loaded Rolodex of various band mates) to which he has devoted varying degrees of intensity since the ’80s, has produced nine releases, and the newest installment will present a more honest, raw and, at times, depressing shade of pop.

“I made a conscious effort to strip the songs down to their essence,” Baker says. “I tried also to make them as organic-sounding as I could. In the past, I’ve done a lot of experimenting with studio tricks, editing and looping. This newest album is a shift away from that and toward the craft of songwriting.

“On the surface, these seem to be happy, strummy pop songs, but if you pay attention to the lyrics, the subject matter can be amazingly sad. ‘Useful’, probably the catchiest song on the album, is about a war vet who’s come back to the states with PTSD and he just can’t cope with ‘normal’ life. He’s a homeless drug addict who just wants to be useful in the world. ‘Judith Hits Chapman’ is about either an abusive wife who beats her husband or an abusive mother who beats her son — I can’t quite decide yet. ‘I Persist’ is about continuing to write and record songs even though success has eluded the writer.”

This 10th solo release comes after one of Baker’s most experimental albums (“Rainbrella”) and will be followed up by yet another home recording of a more conceptual nature.

“The next record, which I’ve already begun, will be a macabre concept record that tells a story,” Baker says. “I’ve got the story arc already conceived and about half the songs written. I am collaborating with many friends on this work. I am trying to incorporate lots of orchestral instruments for a chamber pop sort of sound.”

Aside from an occasional acoustic outing, the material from “Woodgrain” will largely be supported by Baker’s new Econopop project. Econopop, not to be confused with Econoprog — yet another or Baker’s acts devoted to experimental improvisation, is made up of name brand players from previous offerings. Though the outfit currently performs Baker’s catalog, he hopes to eventually fully utilize the gathered talent for a more collaborative attempt.

“Econopop has been through several iterations as far as members go, but I think we’ve settled on the right chemistry now,” says Baker. “We have George Middlebrooks on electric guitar and vocals, Gray Comer on minimal drum kit and Bo Ratliff on bass guitar and vocals. I am playing acoustic guitar and singing lead. For now, we are playing songs mostly from ‘Woodgrain’ plus a couple of older songs from my back catalog, but I really want the band to be a collaborative effort amongst all the musicians, and I’ve assembled some really great musicians for Econopop.”

Tuesday night John T. Baker returns for a second performance at Zunimar Music and 90.3’s monthly Stripped Down showcase series. Kym Hawkins of Plain Clothes Tracy will perform along with a surprise guest, and the show will be hosted by Kevin Hyfantis and Angel Martinez. Though the showcase is billed as an opportunity to hear artist’s and band’s music “stripped down” to a solo acoustic format, Baker will be joined this time around by George Middlebrooks to supplement the act’s essential vocal harmony. The show kicks off at 9:30 p.m.

BOOK LEARNIN’ TIME IN TENNESSEE: The Square Room holds its back to school celebration Tuesday, Aug. 24, with The Academy Is…, Sore Eyes and The Envy. Doors open at 7 p.m. and admission is $12 at the door or $10 in advance.

KIRB APPEAL: El Deth’s Arrison Kirby is joined by sexually naive musical comedy act Katie and the Bass Drums Wednesday night at Pilot Light. The show is slated for 10 p.m. and costs $5.

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