The Forgiver And The Runaway
VizzTone, 2021
9/10
Listen to The Forgiver And The Runaway
A rising artist from Colorado, AJ Fullerton uses the best elements of blues and roots to fuel his remarkable song craft that draws parallels to Patrick Sweany, North Mississippi All Stars and even Albert Collins on this first album for the VizzTone label.
“Remind Me Who I Am Again” starts the listen with warm keys as a gospel slant enters the soulful climate that embraces rootsy sounds, too, and “Healing Takes Time” follows with an expressive bluesy quality where Fullerton’s wise vocals are met with spirited guitar work and crisp percussion.
Further down the line, “Say You’ll Stay” is a louder, rugged blues rocker that’s both charged and emotive and benefits from Jake Friel’s harmonica, while “The Forgiver & The Runaway” glides with much atmosphere to the mysterious landscape. “Miss Cherry Red”, a late album highlight, then blends piano, harmonica and fuzzy guitars into a playful album highlight that’s as timeless as it is memorable.
Close to the end, “Homesick” shuffles with a cozy Americana flavor where Fullerton’s vivid storytelling is met with strategic pedal steel, and “Hooks In The Water” exits the listen calm, agile and poetic with an almost folk quality to his very gripping songwriting.
Fullerton is already a well known name in his home state, where his slide guitar work, acoustic show and solo performances have netted him plenty of awards, and with albums as strong as The Forgiver And The Runaway, his name is quickly and justifiably becoming synonymous with first rate blues.
Travels well with: Patrick Sweany- Close To The Floor; North Mississippi Allstars- Up And Rolling