Cole Swensen – “Weaving”
-This is a song about ending a relationship with the softest, most generous spirit. It’s a song about realizing that the relationship was meaningful and important, but it’s time for it to end. There’s a grace to this recording that’s hard to put into words; you really just have to click play and listen to it. Swensen is an artist I’ve featured recently and find his work captivating. The calm piano-based folk style here swells with atmospheric, intimate composition details. This is a song that belies simple genre categorization, but begs for the sincere engagement of listeners. If you’ve ever been through a breakup that was heartbreaking but necessary, this song will certainly resonate.
Anna Vaus – “Trace of You”
-I love this song. The opening is sweet with a gentleness in the vocal that pulls the listener right in. Then on the chorus the layered vocal is absolutely amazing! It makes me want to sing along because it feels so welcoming, yet I don’t want to mess up the harmonies so I just close my eyes and listen. The lyrical message is one of longing and desire, a romantic sentiment. There’s just such beauty in this whole performance from the color balance to the quality of the vocal and the joyful lyrical sentiment; this is the kind of music that I want (and need!) in my life. It’s a gem and I’ll probably be writing about it again in about a month for the end of year lists.
Steve Slagg – “The Newest Soil”
-There’s a calm percussion element in the opening of this track that makes it feel intriguing. There’s an implicit question – what is this? As you lean in and listen closer, it’s a bit folksy but there’s also a cinematic, storytelling dimension that I really appreciate here. The lyrical vibe feels poetic and Dylanesque at times. It’s the story of the artist’s father donating his body to science. It’s introspective and unique, something with no parallel. I adore the risk taking in this composition and the boldness of the lyrical theme. It’s a remarkable bit of writing.
Image courtesy: Anna Vaus IG
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