Richard Shindell’s Movies of the Mind

Richard Shindell
“Blue Divide”
Shanachie Records
1994

Early on, New York-raised Richard Shindell established himself as a contemplative and gifted songwriter. He was never in better form than on his 1994 sophomore release “Blue Divide.” Over its ten tracks, he paints vivid portraits of what it means to be human, from our loves, deceits, pride, lust, nobility, cowardice, and occasionally redemption.

The album opens with “A Summer Wind, A Cotton Dress,” a reminiscence of unattainable love. Next, “Fishing” takes us inside the mind of an immigration officer as he interrogates his captive. Time has only made this song more poignant in the current age of daily headlines recounting ICE agents’ callousness and inhumanity to man.

“The Ballad of Mary Magdalen” imagines the biblical figure’s feelings for Jesus, first as a man and then as a deity. “Lazy” celebrates a lighthearted moment of savoring quiet domesticity.

In “The Things I Have Seen,” optimistic patriotism collides with disillusionment after the speaker witnesses battle firsthand. The speaker bears the wounds that the world seems never to tire of probing. The Civil War companion piece “Arrowhead” is told from the perspective of a Confederate drummer boy.

Shindell’s movies of the mind next take us inside prison walls, where a condemned man contemplates the hereafter as he bears the weight of his life’s choices in “Ascent.” The album fittingly closes with the title track, leaving a sense of restlessness and a glimmer of hope.

The band lineup for this project includes Richard Shindell on vocals and acoustic guitar, Steve Addabbo on Hammond organ and electric guitar, Kenneth Blevins on drums, Larry Campbell on lap steel, pedal steel and mandolin, Séamus Egan on mandolin and uilleann pipes, Peter Freeman on synthesizer, Mark Hamza on Hammond organ, Lucy Kaplansky on harmony, Juan Patiño on percussion, Dave Richards and Michael Visceglia on bass, and John Whelan on button accordion. 

Richard Shindell is among the most talented storytellers of our time and deserves a much larger audience. His other noteworthy albums include “Sparrows Point,” “Somewhere Near Paterson,” and “Reunion Hill.”

Kim Taylor's Overlooked Classic

Kim Taylor
“Build You Up” EP
Kim Taylor (self-released)
2011

Kim Taylor possesses one of the most stunningly beautiful voices, and the clarity of thought in her lyrics is exceptional! Born in Miami, Florida, in 1973, and making her home today in Cincinnati, Ohio, she delivers a smooth, laid-back contemporary folk sound that is near-addictive. In addition to having recorded several full-length solo albums and EPs over the past two decades, she is also a member of the duo Water and Sand alongside fellow singer-songwriter Todd Thibaud.

Kim Taylor’s 2011 EP “Build You Up” is a seven-track collection that repackaged her earlier EP “The Greatest Story” from 2008 and added two additional tracks: "I Am You" and the title track "Build You Up." If you’re new to Kim Taylor’s music, I enthusiastically recommend the “Build You Up” EP as a bite-sized introduction to her body of work. Taylor shines brightly on every track here, and even Over the Rhine’s stellar cover of “Days Like This” doesn’t match the simple beauty of Kim’s original, life-affirming version featured here.

As with many digital releases, credits are minimal: the piano on the title track, the acoustic guitar and drums on “Days Like This,” and the balance of the tracks are uncredited. What is clear is that Taylor’s beautiful voice and songwriting combine to deliver an immensely satisfying work that remains one of my all-time favorites. If you desire heartfelt lyrics, beautifully delivered, you can do no better than this overlooked treasure. 

Lynn Miles Warms Winter Nights

Lynn Miles
“Winter"
Lynn Miles (self-released)
2015

On her 2015 seasonal release, “Winter,” Quebec-born Lynn Miles delivered 12 originals and one cover of a Jesse Winchester favorite. It is an enjoyable, unconventional collection of reflective pieces, ranging from deep and thoughtful to humorous. The songs are similar to those of fellow Canadian artist/songwriters Shania Twain’s "God Bless the Child" and Jann Arden’s "Still Here" in that they, in turn, look outward at the real world as it is with a healthy dose of introspection and a touch of whimsy.

In the album’s opener, “Last Night,” she pays tribute to the matriarch of Canadian folk, Joni Mitchell, referencing “The River” as Fall transitions into Winter. "Just Let It Snow" is all about slowing down and accepting things as they are, and not being weighed down by the end of a challenging year. The presence of snow is significant in many of the songs, as with "Little Snowflake," which appreciates the beauty and elegance of snowflakes as they fall. By contrast, "High Heels in the Snow" reflects on the tragic life of a teenage prostitute.

"The Coldest Winter in the History of the World" recounts the exhausting days of harsh winter weather when "It's hard to walk, it's even harder to be nice." This, contrasting with Miles' cover of Jesse Winchester's "Wintery Feeling," celebrates the splendour of falling snow in Montreal, acknowledging "You'll take the sun for granted if you outrun every storm."

"Casino el Camino" and "Christmas Makes Me Miss You More" vividly depict a musician's life on tour and the solitude of the holidays. "Santa Claus Parade" pleads with a grinchy lover not to "rain on my Santa Claus Parade," while "Blue Moon Bar," featuring Rebecca Campbell's vocals, presents a sombre honky-tonk scene on Christmas Eve.

The album finishes on a high note with the lively country rocker "Twenty Pound Turkey," a song that truly deserves a spot alongside Robert Earl Keen, Jr.'s classic "Merry Christmas from the Family."

This highly recommended collection showcases the talents of Lynn Miles on vocals and guitar, Keith Glass on guitar and electric guitar, Dina Maccabee on viola, Andrew Tholl on violin, and Chris Votek on cello, with Peter Kiesewalter composing the string quartet arrangements.

A Melancholy Christmas with Dustin Kensrue

Dustin Kensrue
“This Good Night Is Still Everywhere”
Vagrant Records
2008

There’s nothing quite like the sparkle and shine of an all-is-bright Christmas album when everything is going well in one's life. However, there are times when the real-life struggles we face during the season of peace and joy can dampen our spirits altogether.  Full disclosure: I love the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season, but I do remember a yuletide not so long ago when my life had taken a hard reset, and I found myself alone and feeling hopeless. The overwhelming sweetness of most holiday music was too much for my broken spirit to handle at that time. During that thankfully brief period, Dustin Kensrue's "This Good Night Is Still Everywhere" became my soundtrack for the season.

After several years as the lead vocalist, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist in the rock band Thrice, Dustin Kensrue launched a solo career and released his debut, “Please Come Home,” in 2007. The following year, he released “This Good Night Is Still Everywhere,” a unique and moody Christmas album.

The album opens with the wholly believable “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home”), a familiar lament for love lost and the angst of being alone during yuletide, delivered in an upbeat acoustic tone that belies the weight of memories of times past. We then move into “Christmas Blues,” an intimate recording that sounds like it was recorded in the early hours in a home studio. The slow harmonica accompaniment only enhances the song's solemn mood.

After a heartfelt rendition of “Blue Christmas,” the album offers one of its most captivating moments with a reimagining of the Pogues’ beloved “Fairytale of New York.” For me, this evokes an image of a character like Jerry Jeff Walker’s Mr. Bojangles—someone down on their luck, burdened by deep remorse. Following this, the title track seeks to find hope and meaning beyond oneself.

The following four songs are Kensrue’s interpretations of holiday standards, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,” and “O Holy Night.” Once again, these are performed in an intimate, stripped-down style that is relaxed and inviting.

The collection ends with Kensrue’s dark hymn “This Is War,” which, despite offering hope through Christ’s birth, leaves the listener uneasy due to its heavy, dark arrangement. While declaring God’s victory over sin and death, it hints that mankind’s spiritual battle has just begun. Although unconventional for a holiday album, it fits within the shadows and light that preceded it.

By no means do I intend to suggest that one needs to be in a difficult place to appreciate this album. Quite the contrary, I play and enjoy this album every year and continue to appreciate its unique, thought-provoking songs. The classic holiday songs are all well performed, and I personally love the artist's relaxed approach.  Kensrue's original contributions, the title track and "This Is War," along with his take on “Fairytale of New York,” are always worthy of at least one seasonal listen for me. 

Gloria Gaynor's Testimony Feels Like Coming Home

Gloria Gaynor
"Testimony"
Gaither Music Group
2019

Gloria Gaynor is immediately associated with her million-selling disco hit “I Will Survive.” Almost fifty years later, she has not only survived but also emerged strong and full of vitality on her 2019 gospel album, “Testimony,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album. The project is beautifully performed and provides a powerful, uplifting experience.

The album opens with "Amazing Grace," blending Gaynor's testimony with a distinctive choir arrangement of the hymn. "Back On Top” acts as a follow-up to “I Will Survive," highlighting resilience and determination. Gaynor, who has faced loss, grief, and chronic pain from a back injury sustained during a 1978 performance, sings joyfully about the faith that has carried her through life's challenges. Credited as co-writer on all but two tracks—the hymn “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” and a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Man of Peace"—the collection maintains an intimate, personal tone throughout. 

Gaynor enlisted an outstanding group of accompanying musicians for her gospel debut. For vocal support, she's joined by MercyMe’s Bart Millard on “He Won’t Let Go,” Jason Crabb on "Singin' Over Me," Yolanda Adams on “Talkin' 'Bout Jesus,” and fellow Grammy winner Mike Farris on “Man of Peace.” The band features Jimmy Bowland on saxophone, Mike Haynes on trumpet, Andrew Ramsey and Paul Allen on guitars, Chris Stevens and Jason Webb on keyboards, and other players who create a rich, full sound.

Gaynor's "Testimony" album feels like coming home. As gospel music's influence was always present in the work of Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, and Ray Charles, there is a natural kinship with sweet, soulful, heartfelt rhythms that bear the soul and reach for love, whether from earthly companions or the Almighty. If this idea is unfamiliar to you, I encourage you to listen to "Singin' Over Me" and "Talkin' 'Bout Jesus" and turn the volume up. It's a good time to wade in the water. 

The Timeless Music of Maine’s David Mallett

David Mallett
“Parallel Lives”
Flying Fish Records
1997

Between 1977 and 2016, David Mallett recorded over a dozen albums. He wrote songs recorded by Emmylou Harris, "Red, Red Rose”; Alison Krauss, “Never Got Off the Ground”; Kathy Mattea, “Summer of My Dreams”; and Hal Ketchum, “Old Soldiers,” as well as the folk classic “Garden Song.” Although the Maine native found some success as a songwriter in Nashville, he never entirely broke into the mainstream as an artist. This is truly unfortunate, as Mallett is a remarkable talent and his music deserves a wider audience.

I first discovered Mallett in the bargain bin of a used record store in the mid-1990s. The CD was “For a Lifetime,” and I quickly acquired his entire catalog and have followed his career ever since. The friendly warmth in Mallett’s sweet baritone voice is like sitting on your back porch, sharing tales with an old friend. He effortlessly delivers superb, articulate storytelling that explores the human condition, including its triumphs and failures, loves and losses.

During his career, Mallett released three live albums. His 1997 album, “Parallel Lives," recorded live at a club in Dublin, New Hampshire, is an excellent starting point for those unfamiliar with his work, as it captures his warmth, wit, and charming stage presence. He sings many of his best-known songs, along with a mix of new ones, accompanied by his acoustic guitar, and is joined by Steven Sheehan on guitar and Mike Burd on bass.

His relatable songs focus on people who live and work the land through both hard times and good, sometimes reflecting on life’s fragility, as in “Closer to Truth,” which considers the sudden loss of a close friend. “My Old Man” is a heartfelt tribute to his father, and “Phil Brown” honors an artist friend he met in his youth. Mallett skillfully celebrates the simple joys of daily life, the embrace of family and friends, and his love of New England and the riches of nature as the seasons unfold over the years.

David Mallett's life journey ended on December 17, 2024, following a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. He was a much-loved and admired native son in his beloved Maine and will be greatly missed worldwide by all who were blessed to enjoy his artistry. If you've yet to discover his music, you are in for a rewarding adventure. 

The Hello Darlins Hit All the Right Notes

The Hello Darlins
“The Alders & The Ashes”
Continental Record Services
2024

Canadian Americana band The Hello Darlins consists of highly skilled session musicians who have spent years refining their craft by supporting other artists. In 2016, the three founding members—Candace Lacina as lead vocalist, Mike Little on keyboards and vocals, and Murray Pulver on guitar—formed the group, which often features a stellar cast of guest musicians they’ve met throughout their musical journey. The band delivers a contagious collection of well-crafted original songs with an easygoing, positive vibe.

The band’s second album, “The Alders & The Ashes,” fulfills the promise of their impressive 2021 debut, “Go by Feel.” This release features two CDs of engaging songs, highlighted by Lacina’s beautiful, expressive vocals and an outstanding group of guest musicians, including Russell Broom on guitar, Chad Cromwell on drums, and Bob Glaub on bass. Themes explored here span a wide range of life experiences and emotions, all while holding onto hope.

The collection starts with “Forgiving Cain and Loving Abel,” exploring themes of dealing with pain and conflicting feelings. This is followed by the album's best track, “What Is a Broken Heart For?”, an upbeat, sassy supplication that should be played on every country radio station. Next, J.D. Edwards lends his vocals to “Sea That Meets the Sky,” which contemplates life’s greater meaning.

The next two songs, “Lay Down Low” and “Highway 355,” are clearly very personal. While the former aims to slow down and process life as it comes, the latter is a loving reflection on a loved one lost to dementia. This is followed by Dave Fenley’s well-timed, beautiful, and humble guest vocals on “Better Days,” which is an uplifting assertion that better times are coming.

“Don't You Fall” envisions our existence from nature's vantage point, contemplating what trees have observed and "the conversations that you have overheard." It is an intriguing thought that underscores the depth of Lacina and Little’s songwriting.

Failed relationships are left behind on “Carefree Arizona,” and “Died with His Boots On” is an upbeat tribute to Lacina’s grandfather’s life, featuring her lively yodeling performance.

“Reasons to Cry” candidly expresses the grief and heavy emotions that come with losing a loved one, while “Best Worst Mistake” explores the feelings that arise after the end of a relationship. One of the album's standout moments features the breathtaking, yearning vocals of guest artist Ruby Friedman on the poignant track “Lonely Shore,” which conveys a deep sense of longing.

The uptempo “Mama Knows” celebrates drawing emotional strength through a maternal spirit. Guitarist Murray Pulver then takes center stage with his lead vocals on “Do It Up Right,” a song about living with passion and embracing life.

The album ends with “Devil in the Dark,” a blues-inspired track that examines our darker motives, and “Stranger in the Mirror,” featuring Martin Sexton's guest vocals, which expresses the discontent of losing our sense of self through pretension and compromise.

The best quality in music is authenticity, and The Hello Darlins deliver exactly that. They are honest poets and musicians of the highest caliber, whose sincerity and collective talent will continue to grow their audience.