iSound

“You write songs the way Norman Rockwell would paint,” a fan once said to ARLON BENNETT. Arlon thought it was an interesting comparison, and then realized it was an accurate description of what he does: “I use a vocal paintbrush on a sonic tapestry to tell stories of Americana.” That description could not be truer than on Summer’s Voice, Arlon’s third and latest release, on Red Sea Records. He takes listeners to a gas station conversation with a Vietnam veteran, an important bus ride with Rosa Parks, to stop lights with young lovers, and to eavesdrop on passing thoughts between two couples of different generations. Once you get past his infectious melodies, you’ll be surprised when you find what some of his songs really are about. For instance, “Small Body Blonde” is all about his first six-string guitar, not a curvaceous lady. But that’s Arlon’s style – relay the story with a twist and some panache. He’s also not afraid to tackle subjects like death and forgiveness, wrapping them ...