Brian Beecher’s Lady of the Book: A Nostalgic, Acoustic Gem 

You wouldn’t tell from listening to Brian Beecher’s lyrics that he is a septuagenarian. Not unless you’re listening in-depthly to the import of what he’s really saying. Not until you reckon with the true fable of the “Lady of the Book” will you be able to color in Brian Beecher in all his hue, color and lyrical wisdoms. 

“Lady of the Book” lends its inspiration from Brian Beecher’s own personal life experience: specifically, from his childhood interactions with his librarian at the local home library, a lovely lady (by his own admission) by the name of Linda. Now retired, Linda would turn out to make such a strong impression on Brian that he actually resorted to penning this track in that very library. 

The story told of Linda is one of a quiet, unassuming woman who always has her eyes glued to a book, and has made a deliberate decision to author her life around that very passion. Did doubt ever creep in? Did she ever meet a like-soul, someone like her and meant for her? Was she fulfilled at the end? If I had to pick one point of brilliance in “Lady of the Book,” it would be its lyricism. So many levers to pull, and Brian does so with the ease and lyrical panache of a decades-old lyricist. You could say one couldn’t possibly go wrong with a stringed Gibson (which is what this particular set of strings sounds like), a swig of something strong, and a whole life to reflect on – but that would be, I’ll state it plainly, denying the man his credit. 

He personally considers “Lady of the Book” to be amongst his finest works, and for a life-long songwriter more than 50 years, that’s really saying something. The slow acoustics smack of inspirations spanning a narrow but deep set of genres, the most obvious of which is modern country pop. Think Tracey Chapman (the broody cadence), Johnny Cash (reflective lyricism), and subtle hints of Dolly Parton (single-chord acoustics) and Mazzy Star (melancholic vocals).

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Beecher has been having something of a break-out season these past few years with his most recent songs — almost 20 of which have been made into legitimate recordings. 

Check out more of his very contemplative tracks on his Soundcloud and be sure to follow his socials.