Love, Dan
Berkalin, 2024
9/10
His 10th solo album since 1999, the inimitable songwriter C. Daniel Boling pens 14 relatable and timeless songs that welcome plenty of help.
The title track opens with Boling’s warm banjo and expressive singing in the bare climate, and “All Of Us Are Immigrants” follows with Char Rothschild’s flowing accordion and tin whistles adding much beauty to the humming and smooth vocals.
Further along, “Ever Since I Woke” makes great use of Jon Gagan’s playful upright bass and Jono Manson’s cozy backing vocals, while “Quarter” benefits much from Kelly Mulhollan’s meticulous mandolin and upright bass for the rich moment that is the album’s best.
Deeper still, “I Don’t Know How” places Jason Crosby on piano, which suits the poetic, dreamy delivery, and “The Sycamore Tree” ends much like how it started, with Boling’s skilled banjo and sincerity radiating authenticity.
The songs here surround aging, family and childhood and will resonate with anyone who enjoys folk and Americana sounds. The large amount guests and instruments make each track unique, wise and eloquent, too, which isn’t far off from his entire catalog, actually.
Travels well with: Dean Mueller- Wishes Never Gone; Ron Houston- R.O.A.M