Stefan J. Selbert – “Sugar Peas”
-This song has it all; it’s got acoustic fingerpicking, a stellar banjo, quality vocals, and lyrics that pull the listener in right from the start. The poetic phrasing is wonderful here, connecting ideas from line to line. I’m also a big fan of the acoustic break between verses, allowing for a bit of space and reflection. The storytelling folksy vibe here is perfect. Fans of music by artists like Blaze Foley or John Prine will really appreciate the sincerity in this performance from Selbert.
John Calvin – “Saint Innocent”
-If Americana instrumentation is your bag, check out the guitars, drums, and overall vibe of this track from John Calvin. It’s got a bluesy soul and a country inflection in parts, making a true genre blend that works with a timeless Americana vibe to it. The harmony vocals on the chorus give it a distinctive southern rock feel as well. This whole performance feels like it could have been a deep cut from a band like Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Allman Brothers about 50 years ago. The syrupy production on the latter half of the song feels like a humid southern summer and it’s a great fit for the tune.
Sonya Cohen Cramer – “You’ve Been a Friend To Me (The Carter Family cover)”
-I very rarely feature covers on this site, so when I decide to say yes it has to be a truly remarkable performance. I think we have that in this track from Sonya Cohen Cramer. It’s a song that is true to the original while capturing a contemporary energy as well. The sweetness in Cramer’s voice gives the classic song a modern feel, but the “never forget” sentiment of the lyrics are true of how we might feel about the Carter family and the folks who originally penned this music. The melody rolls gently from line to line. The guitar performance is comforting and familiar; this recording feels like sitting in a family parlor or on the front porch listening to family and friends play music. It’s a gift of a performance and I feel honored to have the chance to feature it here.
Image courtesy: Stefan Selbert IG
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