Wishes Never Gone
Ripping Glass, 2024
8/10
A singer-songwriter who pens songs from the heart, Dean Mueller uses Americana and folk ideas to his advantage across these 12 personal and relatable tracks.
The thumping and gritty “I Don’t Live There Anymore” opens with Jason Wilber’s fluid electric guitar and Mueller’s vivid storytelling making for a loud start, and “Fireflies” follows with Jim Hoke’s playful clarinet and Dave Jaques’ well timed bass suiting the cinematic climate.
Further along, Nalani Rothrock lends her pipes to the breezy strumming of “Bulleit Train”, while the McCrary Sisters are present for the rugged yet melodic “Teach No Lies”.
Deeper yet, Hoke’s spirited harmonica enters the bouncy spirit of “I’ll Be There”, and “Lonesome Sky” exits with a dreamy ambience that makes great use of the poetic singing, emotive guitar and cozy percussion.
Mueller also touches on jazz and the blues, too, and the influence from his hero, John Prine, won’t go unnoticed across this honest, vulnerable and timeless body of work.
Travels well with: Ron Houston- R.O.A.M; Billy Coulter- 5ingles