John Vento delivers a wild sermon about the state of America on the soulful “America (The Saints Come Marching Home)”. Tapping into the spirit of the politically charged folk of the 60s, he incorporates something truly profound within the piece. Lyrics speak truth to power as he sings with an incredible fiery passion. Every single verse is chosen for its barbed approach. Instrumentally he goes for an eclectic persona for the track brings together flute, guitar, and distorted vocals all of which help to give it a sense of urgency. At times he touches upon Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde” approach as he sings of the upper-class aristocracy.
Nor does he waste a moment for he gets into the heady stuff immediately. Torn from the pages of the day to day news, the fervor with which he sings and shouts feels so visceral. Rhythms add some heft to the importance of his approach for he has an unflinching eye towards all the ills that have been going on for too long in America. Over the course of the work he lets the song become ever larger and more powerful. It works itself up into a frenzied pitch for the wild and rambunctious finale whose multiple layers swirl together to create a cohesive whole.
“America (The Saints Come Marching Home)” proves to be a profound piece full of poignancy, revealing John Vento to be a master of his craft.
