A refreshing mid-week singer songwriter list

Arbour Season – “Rubatosis”
-If you’ve been around ETTG for the past year or so, you’ve heard Arbour Season a few times. I’ve found their harmonies to be literally some of the best in the business. I am eager to support this track “Rubatosis” for similar reasons. The way the vocals command the track and the intricate, unique acoustic instrumentation rises and falls with the song. This is a living, breathing, beautiful piece of music. I am so excited this band is writing new music. Will it be a full new album in 2020?

Sochei – “When I start to fall”
-If you’re a fan of classic love songs, give this track a spin. There’s an old fashioned easy going swing to the song. It’ll remind you of great 50s music with its sweet lines and relaxing style. If you lean into the lyrics it’s not exactly 50s prim and proper, but it still conveys some of that sepia-toned romantic idealism.

The Duke of Norfolk – “January/Eden come slowly”
-If you’ve been around folk circles for a bit, you’ll recognize the name the Duke of Norfolk. This experimental style is definitely something worth exploring for people who think all folk sounds the same. There are layers and textures here that compliment the symbolic lyrics perfectly. This is a piece you can listen to hundreds of times and still unlock multitudes of meaning. It’s fascinating.

EllaHarp – “Bittersweet”
-This track could be considered pop or singer songwriter. I am happy to support the song because the lead vocal is really solid. The string work provides a nice basis to the track, allowing the vocal to stand out like a slam poet on a stage. The expressive lyric style is open enough to let listeners enter into the story on their own terms.

Franchesca Blanchard – “Happy for you”
-The rhythmic acoustic guitar in the opening is good, but then this glorious voice enters the song that absolutely commands your attention. I love the unison vocal style that creates the kind of depth that helps make the music resonate. Once the vocal harmonies enter, (if you’re like me) you’ll be completely puddy in Blanchard’s hands. The lyrics aren’t about me, but they still stuck me in my soul. I’ll be listening to this one a lot more in the immediate future. It’s really captivating.

Josh Savage – “Golden Days”
-Josh Savage sings his heart out. You can hear his SOUL on this song and that’s not (too much) hyperbole. There’s a real sense of meaning in the lyrical delivery here. The electric guitar provides a beautiful base, especially with the chromatic chord movement. But as Savage croons “the only constant’s change” you can actually feel his hope and desperation. It’s an outstanding performance. Give it a spin.

Kyler Tapscott – “Home”
-I have a running joke about how many folk songs there are with the title “Home.” It’s either about running from home or trying to get back home (Odysseus, anyone?). Anyways, this piece is genuine, engaging, and surprisingly sweet in the melodic structure. I find myself drawn to the clarity of the recording. The balance between the guitar and the vocal is outstanding. The lyrics are good and the production is stellar.

FLORE – “Sugarcane”
-Sorry we don’t have that character with the / through the O on our keyboards. But whatever you call this artist, the vocal is going to rip your heart right out of your chest. There’s a bit of a Gwen Stefani rasp to it, but the depth and sincerity feels more like Adele. The combination is soulful and moving. I don’t know what mythological sirens sounded like, but I’m starting to get an idea. This is a wonderous performance.