Wendell Kimbrough’s 2011 album Things That Can’t Be Taught is a collection of songs that move from intimate folk music to the big brass sounds of early American jazz. It’s an ambitious project that came to life through the tremendous musical contributions of some of the Washington, DC region’s finest jazz instrumentalists. Lyrically, the album covers a wide range—from the spiritual to the comedic—and features a number of fan favorites like “Home” and “Communication.” For those who, like Kimbrough, wish that James Taylor had made an album with Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five, Things That Can’t Be Taught, imagines their musical meeting.
Track List:
- When I Work Alone
- Lonesome Blues and Love
- Two Ways to Be Worthless
- The Robin's Nest
- The Death of Death
- Home
- Communication
- The Longest Month
- Little Birds
- Things That Can't Be Taught
Things That Can’t Be Taught is an album that almost did not happen. After a year of working mostly alone in a spare bedroom studio, Kimbrough was dispirited and out of funds. Friends encouraged him to use Kickstarter to reach out for help, and in less than 48 hours, supporters had pledged over $5,000 to guarantee completion of the project. Watch the Kickstarter video: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/247220177/wendells-first-studio-album-with-a-little-help-fro
