I sometimes wonder if it is a sign of these recession ridden times that we find ourselves overcome with the desire to return to the traditional whether it be traditional values or traditional musical styles. It would certainly explain the popularity of the genre known as Americana that finds followers and practitioners across the world. One such practitioner is Jonas Shandel, here escaping the confines of Canadian roots band Headwater with these seven tasteful tracks.
Perhaps the first thing you notice about this album is how easy it is to listen to. The songs are elegantly arranged and played with noticeable subtlety with some of the resulting songs becoming almost devotional. The quasi religious harmonies on “Drinking The Water” lift the song to the clouds and it would not be hard to imagine (with the help of a time machine, of course) that said song would be rediscovered and recorded by Simon and Garfunkel. That raises an interesting point – where many would plan to dominate the proceedings, Mr Shandel instead allows his supporting cast to shine. His voice remains laidback and mellow throughout leaving the listener plenty of time to appreciate the contributions of Tim Tweedale on lap steel, Matt Bryant on mandolin and the understated harmonies of Andrea Eder.
Covering Peter Gabriel’s “Mercy Street” must have seemed like a good idea but it, unfortunately, is more than a touch pedestrian and even clumsy. However, considering the album as a whole and especially considering the appearance of the wondrous Joanna Chapman-Smith on two tracks, it is but a small irritation on an otherwise soothing album.
Available from CD Baby.