REVIEW: “7 Sided Circle” by Rick Norman

Words by Ree Miller.

A funny thing happened on my way to the …

… restroom at Daryl’s House. This one is a single in the bar. There was a line. Using my introvert-trying-to-be-an-extrovert skills, I said to the guy in front of me, “Haven’t I seen you at other shows?” Now, of course I had, ‘cause his distinctive blue chin whiskers/soul patch/whatever it is called these days was hard to miss. It turns out we follow a lot of the same artists, and a friendship was born. We had some follow-up chats, and it turns out this educator-turned-artist writes, plays, and records music that settled right in my pocket.

Rick Norman was a teacher and a school principal, spreading his brand of knowledge and caring in the school system. Now, he’s a musician with a message and a new avocation. All the songs on “7 Sided Circle” communicate some form of love; lovers, brothers, and the world at large. His core belief system centers on peace, love, and understanding. (Thanks, Elvis C., not P.) He would like people to see that the best lived life is a gift and that making the world a better place is something we all can do. Do something to share your positivity. Compliment others. Share a story. Share your talent and time.

Norman’s “7 Sided Circle” contains seven songs, each with their own flavor, but all distinctive to his home personal message and his state of residence. You have heard of the recently created and much-maligned term “yacht rock.” Norman’s is what I would call “Jersey rock.” His music smacks of that played in the Stone Pony; at Asbury Park beach festivals, like the Songwriters on the Beach, a summer concert series produced by Brookdale Public Radio, 90.5 The Night (Go – it is worth the drive from anywhere. One of our faves, Mike Montali is scheduled in August); and songs penned by Jessie Malin. (If you are interested in more about the Stone Pony grab a copy of “I Don’t Want to Go Home – The Oral History of the Stone Pony” by Nick Corasaniti). But I digress, like the sidebar in a textbook (groan). Let’s dive into a few songs with some of my impressions:

1. “Something on a Saturday” – I played this numerous times on a Sunday – a Monday – a Tuesday … it stands the test of the calendar. It has an angelic chord change in the bridge, which makes it a killer tune for me. Bridges aren’t easy to build (I speak from experience here). Anyone who can write a bridge that grabs your attention is aces.

2. “This Guitar” – Come for a little Western guitar twang that gets your attention, stay for a little Jesse Malin-esque moodiness. This song really explains why all the famous name their guitars, like Neil – Old Black; B.B. King – Lucille; Willie Nelson – Trigger: “This guitar’s my shelter from the storm / This guitar I cradle in my arm.” Mutual aid between a player and their axe. Maybe I should really learn to play.

3. “Mississippi” – Gets me right in The Smithereens – another Jersey color in the crayon box. The violin in here will make you cry.

4. “Song for Michael” – A sweet song to a brother lost. Fiddle work that changes how you will look at the night sky. Norman’s lyrics compare the singularity of a brother’s love and shared history to the fleeting magic of: “And oh brother / No other remembers as I do / A shooting star across the sky”

Rick has a show on April 11 at Blue Arrow Farm, Pine Island, NY. (To get tix, scroll to Night of Original Songs on the calendar).

To find out more about Rick Norman and his special brand of peace, love, and understanding, check out his website or YouTube channel. “7 Sided Circle” is available on Amazon, Spotify, and Apple Music.