Fear Not
Self-Released, 2018
8/10
The Michigan native Cameron Blake knows his way around a tune that’s full of intimacy and with plenty of heart, and on this sophomore album the multi-instrumentalist is in the company of nearly 50 players as he touches on many genres with much grace, skill and unpredictable songwriting.
The title track starts the listen with graceful keys as Blake’s smooth vocals guide the folk-influenced setting that’s not without an orchestral quality, and “After Sally” follows with a very mature version of Americana that recruits female vocals and playful strings.
Close to middle, “Queen Bee” finds itself in some form of gospel amid a frisky display of soulful backing vocals, while “Tiananmen Square” trims the pace back with a dreamy delivery of beautiful, poetic song craft. “Moonlight On A String”, one of the album’s best, then burns slow with moody cello and a reflective climate that draws us in immediately.
Near the end, “Philip Seymour Hoffman” is piano led and full of vulnerable song craft about the late actor, and “Monterey Bay” exits the listen powerfully, where Blake’s commanding voice shines bright alongside cautious interplay between the sophisticated instruments.
An artist who was classically trained and then found folk music later on, there is much talent present here, and each song is fleshed out meticulously and memorably as Blake solidifies himself as an artist we should all be keeping an eye on.
Travels well with: Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah- AXIOM; Kendrick Scott Oracle- A Wall Becomes A Bridge