Nick Govrik’s solo debut One More Time for the Man is a decidedly Southern record. You could call it Southern rock, but it’s more than that. Its influences include a range of rock styles from the ’70s — a “time when music was a revelation.” Best known as the bassist and principal songwriter for the Southern rock supergroup Trigger Hippy, Govrik steps into the solo spotlight for the first time on the album’s 10 tracks, and the light is neither too bright nor the moment too big for him.
First, there’s his voice — strong, soulful and a little world-weary. It pierces your heart and makes you feel the ache and disappointment of the unfulfilled dreams, missed opportunities and overwhelming realities that inform his songs.
As moving as his vocals are, Govrik’s songs are what make this album special. The scenes he paints are vivid. When he opens “Slit Tails & Straight Rails” with “I can feel it coming on, it’s getting hot / Me and the boys in the parking lot / Where’s the party at? / Rooster’s got a doobie and a 12-pack,” you can picture it.
Many of the songs are inspired by moments and people from Govrik’s youth, while others reflect his life in the music business. There are hard, working-class truths learned both directly and indirectly.
Produced by Govrik’s former Trigger Hippy bandmate and session guitar god Tom Bukovac, One More Time for the Man features sophisticated arrangements and impeccable, dynamic performances. Govrik handles all the bass and Bukovac plays a bunch of guitar and some organ. They’re joined by keyboardist Jimmy Wallace, pedal steel man Bruce Bouton, drummers Sarah Tomek and Jordan Perlson and vocalist Wendy Moten, among others.
One More Time for the Man demands repeated listenings. And with each listen, its depth becomes more apparent.
Find the record at your favorite store, on your favorite streaming service or via Govrik’s website. Follow along on Instagram, and make plans to catch him in action Saturday, Sept. 13, during AmericanaFest. Govrik will be playing bass in the band for the Guitar Party — featuring Bukovac, Jedd Hughes and Guthrie Trapp — starting 10:30 p.m. at 3rd and Lindsley.
