Release Date: January 20, 2020
Label: New Latitude Music
Label: New Latitude Music
This would serve as my
introduction and a new discovery, so that starts things off with a lot of
anticipation. After reading some history of the band I could tell it was going
to be something I would enjoy.
The cover of the album is wood
with various colorings, just like the music you will hear on this recording It
is acoustic instrumental with a melting pot of styles and genres offered on the
nine tracks. New Age, Jazz, and Latin flavored tracks flow effortlessly through
their instruments.
I have a kinship for Latin music
and “Días Calientes” was a quick favorite. There is that irresistible and
colorful rhythm that runs through the song along with some very fast acoustic
guitar playing. If they could have picked one spotlight track for the album
this would be it. The musical gusto of each member of the band is quite impressive
and when all of their talents come together it is like a musical carnival of
sounds.
“Open Road” is a jazz track, the
embodiment of the “quiet storm” label minus the R&B reference.
It is a distinct sub-genre of
that particular kind of music. The transition from the previous track is
perfectly executed and a reminder that the genres are close cousins in the
diverse genre that jazz can give a listener.
“A Serious Man” is a fast-moving
track featuring uplifting nimble-fingered guitar interplay. It is a wonderful
listen that also spotlights the unmistakable standup bass with well-placed
percussion. The choice for bass is excellent for this type of acoustic
instrumental presentation, it complements the guitar playing and is the driving
wheel of each track.
“Old Friends” was more of New Age
style, it reminded me of some of the Windham Hill releases that came out when
Will Ackerman was signing on artists to his label and getting this kind of
music a world stage. Now the stage is infinite because of the internet and
streaming, which is a good thing for any artist looking for exposure. The title
of the track was perfect, it was like seeing an “Old Friend.”
The curtain closer “Prismatic
Sky,” which also had a New Age sound and atmosphere and consequently was an
easy choice to add to my New Age Music Reviews Spotify Playlist. It was
a great way to end the album.
The range of musical style and
expertise on display throughout the nine tracks is superb and I would most
definitely appreciate another helping of this at any time. This is music for
any time of day or night, or if you happen to be looking for something that
will put a smile on your face and in your heart, then I would recommend
listening to Wood, Steel,
and Grace.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 1, 2020
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
1. Alpine Bliss (3:10)
2. Cruising Altitude (3:42)
3. Días Calientes (4:31)
4. Open Road (3:40)
5. Alpenglow (3:37)
6. A Serious Man (3:58)
7. Windmills (3:19)
8. Old Friends (3:12)
9. Prismatic Sky (3:03)
Tracks:
1. Alpine Bliss (3:10)
2. Cruising Altitude (3:42)
3. Días Calientes (4:31)
4. Open Road (3:40)
5. Alpenglow (3:37)
6. A Serious Man (3:58)
7. Windmills (3:19)
8. Old Friends (3:12)
9. Prismatic Sky (3:03)