There’s A Bright Side Somewhere
Lark’s Nest, 2022
8/10
Listen to There’s A Bright Side Somewhere
The fingerstyle guitarist Happy Traum returns with his first new record in 7 years, where 13 tracks embrace blues, folk, and Americana and welcome a large cast of A-list musicians who have been playing with Happy on and off for years.
The title track opens the record with intricate guitar playing as Happy’s warm, inviting vocals guide the gospel/folk climate that welcomes Larry Campbell on mandolin, and “Santa Cruz Blues” follows with a duet between Happy’s Santa Cruz guitar and Eric Parker’s skilled drumming.
Elsewhere, “Living With The Blues” showcases John Sebastian’s spirited harmonica and Cindy Cashdollar’s dobro in the indeed bluesy and soulful album highlight, while “Farewell” puts a very bluegrassy spin on the Dylan classic with Tony Trischka’s banjo and Larry Campbell’s fiddle amid very well timed backing vocals.
Arriving near the end, “How Are Things In Glocca Morra?” offers a solo guitar track that really spotlights Happy’s inimitable guitar playing in the cozy demeanor, and “Love Song To A Girl In An Old Photograph” exits with Byron Isaacs on bass and Cashdollar’s haunting slide guitar in the very stirring finish.
Happy’s got a long list of talents that includes not only guitar and singing, but writing and instructional video producer, and his acoustic finger picking is quite fascinating on this charming, memorable comeback album.
Travels well with: Tom Paxton, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer- All New; Steve Goodman- The Best Of Steve Goodman