Small Town Dreamer
Pinecastle, 2021
8/10
Having spent considerable time with Daryl Mosley’s debut solo album, The Secret Of Life, this follow up was quite anticipated, and the former member of The New Tradition and The Farm Hands doesn’t disappoint, as he takes company from Tony Wray, Aaron McDaris, Adam Haynes, Justin Moses, Jaelee Roberts and Jeanette Williams for the personal sophomore outing.
“Transistor Radio” starts the listen with warm guitar from Wray and equally cozy vocals from Mosley, where well timed harmony vocals and subtle mandolin complement the beauty, and “Hillbilly Dust” follows with a poetic quality that allows Mosley’s heartfelt pipes to shine amid strategic banjo from McDaris.
Further on, “He’s With Me” brings us back to Mosley’s gospel roots with much sincerity intact, while the flowing “The Waverly Train Disaster” displays cautious and meticulous string interaction with charming harmony vocals. Elsewhere, the playful fiddle from Haynes on “I Can’t Go Home Anymore” suits the reflective climate well, as Mosley’s universal storytelling warms the heart.
Deeper still, “Mama’s Bible” enters a more folk based climate that uses soothing instrumentation alongside Mosley’s gentle singing, and “Sing Me A Song About A Train” exits the listen swiftly with a timeless bluegrass appeal that truly showcases the immense talent present.
An artist whose vision revolves around bluegrass, country, folk and Americana, Mosley’s 30+ year career in music has yielded many awards, several number 1 singles and handfuls of great, timeless songs, many of which are present on Small Town Dreamer.
Travels well with: The Farm Hands- 4.0; Wilson Banjo Co.- Six Degrees Of Separation