Gentle Man
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The multi-instrumentalist and singer Mitch Hayes finds himself steeped in folk sounds for these 8 personal songs, where he’s got some excellent help for a rich, thoughtful and timeless listen.
“Don’t Have To Hide” opens the listen with Hayes’ gritty yet soulful voice alongside warm acoustic guitar, Logan Bowers’ agile drumming and sweeping strings, and the title track follows with Aaron Fabbrini’s glowing pedal steel amid the crisp drums and expressive story telling for the fluid country rock demeanor.
In the middle, Zach Light- Wells’ provides playful banjo for the bluegrass nods of the raw, melodic album highlight, “Carolina Calling”, while “What I Pretend” is sublimely intimate, stirring even, and benefits much from Nathan Shores’ absorbing cello.
“Enemy” and “Dear John” exit the listen, where former is a more swift display of cozy folk rock ideas, and “Dear John” finishes with Hayes’ powerful and wise voice amid the hazy pedal steel and charming vocal harmonies from Erin Hayesoweth.
A listen that’s all substance, Hayes dedicates this album to his late father, who was his best friend and hero, and it truly touches on the human experience in ways that will appeal to everyone in sound, body and mind.
Travels well with: Dean Mueller- Life Ain’t All Roses; Buddy Mondlock- Filament