Release Date: July 19, 2024
Label: Honey Spun Records
The Song Gardeners, singer/songwriter Corrie Dunn (vocals, piano, guitar), and singer/songwriter Mary Gospe (vocals, guitar, percussion), are all set to release their second album Sonic Landscape. As I recall from their first album and covering many track releases, they are talented individuals who can play instruments and sing very well. For me, that sets the stage for another enjoyable listen.
“Present” starts things with some very funky bass lines. Corrie
sings, “Feel the energy be present with me.” The ladies have lovely voices and
are solid musicians. After one track, I am already feeling energized and
refreshed.
“Send Love to Everyone (Heal the Divide)” is a great message to
the world; as Mary sings, “We heal the divide when we stop taking sides.” The
guitar is excellent, with a layer of keys for more color and texture. The
vocals are clear, inviting, and believable. Great music and important lyrics.
When they harmonize at the end of the track, it’s a thing of beauty.
“Talking to Trees” will get you to tune in and tune out. It’s an
earthy Mother Nature meets music in the middle, so our humanity realizes our
intrinsic connection to the earth we walk on. One line goes, “Talking to trees,
I feel your roots reverberating under me.” The music is soft and flowing;
as you absorb the words and their meanings, they should hold some meaning for
us all. It is one of my favorites for all the reasons I just mentioned.
“More of This” begins with congas and a funky bass line. The
bass leads the way as the other instruments and some good percussion join the
party. One prolific line struck me: “The future is ours to create.” There is
something pure and true about the way they present these songs, and the rhythms
are irresistible. Yes, I want some “More of This” as they sing “happiness, joy,
and bliss.”
“Future Lives” begins again with that strong bass line leading
the way. I am thinking how different it is to hear people singing to new
age-based music and how much I enjoy it because of what the ladies convey in
every song. The flow continues one track after another, going from strength to
strength.
“April Sky” is a song about our vast universe and how you can
look at the sky day or night and think about all the wonders there to amaze and
delight your heart and soul. It gives you gratitude to be alive, and you feel
safe and protected under the “April Sky,” where constellations align. It is
about hope and vision right before us for the taking. The music continues to
feel right, accompanying the vocals, a perfect match so you can focus on all of
it at once.
“The Little Things” matter the most and make the world a better
place; the words ring true as a solid percussion gets behind the beautiful
harmonizing that makes it feel authentic to the heart. A simple and direct
message set to a jazz-inflected backdrop. It has a perfect melody and is very catchy.
“Within” closes out this consistent and beautiful recording.
They remind you it all begins within for you to speak your truth as the music
flows nicely and purposefully, and the lyrics hit home with words like
gratitude, imagination, and curiosity, bringing your spirit and who you are to
the surface. Nothing is hypothetical; it is just music to soothe your soul and
words of validation. It’s simply perfect, just like all the other tracks. The
music always seems to fit just right to complement all the vocals. Smooth and
precise, the music gives the lyrics room to breathe and take shape.
It could be your Sonic Landscape. After absorbing all the sounds and messages, it makes sense to think about that momentarily. Give it a try; You will find enjoyment in many ways. I sure did.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
July 11, 2024
Tracks:
01. Present
02. Send Love to Everyone (Heal the Divide)
03. Talking to Trees
04. More of This
05. Future Lives
06. April Sky
07. The Little Things
08. Within