Bob Pressner: “EVERYMAN” – rollicks along shifting tempos and Americana roots sounds

Several critically acclaimed album releases, and over 40 million Youtube views down the line, Bob Pressner states: “I have zero interest in fame for fame’s sake.” So then why has he just released his latest 13-track album, “EVERYMAN”? “I have a tremendous interest in trying to move people and touch people with something interesting,” says Bob, “Something that makes them think and reflect, something that’s different from the stuff that’s out there.”

A humble rarity in the music scene, Bob Pressner’s personal vision is easily understood once you grasp his story. It was the first World Trade Center bombing that changed Bob’s life. Working as a commodities trader at the WTC when the bomb hit, he made his way down a dark, smoke filled staircase to the parking garage, only to find his car destroyed and seemingly, no way out. Finally a passage of light led him to safety, but it signaled a life changing experience which convinced Bob that he had been offered a second chance.

Bob Pressner re-evaluated his life and decided to pursue his dream. Moving his wife and two young daughters to Florida, he began to write and record in a way he had never experienced before. The rest is history, including his collaboration with writer-producer Jim McGorman – who has worked with artists such as, Michelle Branch and Avril Lavigne – resulting in the celebrated “King of Nothing” album.

It’s easy, to underestimate the talent that it takes to create something so pure and simple, and yet so fresh and unique, as the “EVERYMAN” album. But the man can breathe life into a song with a turn of a phrase and the bend of a guitar string. ‘Heartfelt’, may be a clichéd word, but it surely describes the core of the songs here. If anything, this album proves that Bob is still building something. Not a reputation of stardom, or a financial fortune. He’s building something better – a powerful fortress of emotion and lifetime experiences to pass onto his audience on each record release that just gets stronger all the time.

I think this is easily Bob Pressner best effort so far, simply because he does what singer-songwriters are supposed to do – deliver a message and have a point of view; possibly without the frills and fuss of too much musical cacophony. “EVERYMAN” succeeds handsomely with a great flow while it rollicks along shifting tempos and Americana roots sounds to backup Bob’s prominent and melodic vocal style.

Kick-started by its leads single, “California”, “EVERYMAN” forges a string of strummed standouts, which include: “New Day Is Coming”, “After The Fall ( Ft. Jen Corby)”, “Watch You Grow”, “Wicked Love”, “Hard Times” and most definitely the title track! At times I was reminded of Tom Petty, at others of Jackson Browne, yet all along I knew it was Bob Pressner.

“EVERYMAN” represents a powerful piece of work from Bob Pressner. For his fans, this will be an essential addition to their library. For those new to Bob’s work, it is well worth listening to. Of his new music Bob has gone on record as saying: “I decided I want to be me and express myself and stop trying to please somebody else.” Unintentionally or unwittingly, “EVERYMAN” is set to please many a soul!