Sailing Dreams
CGD, 2024
9/10
The Nashville artist Muriel Anderson brings her esteemed guitar playing to 13 songs inspired by a sailing trip from Long Island to Maine, and she’s got some great company along for the ride.
“Tides” starts the listen with a reflective tone that has Tommy Emmanuel’s soothing voice complementing the harmonic climate, and “Let Loose & Fly” follows with a flowing instrumental that allows Anderson’s pretty guitar playing to illuminate the glorious spirit.
In the middle, “Rainy Harbor” enters dreamy territory via the melodic gestures, while “The Drunken Wellerman” is a shanty moment where the improv with Phil Keaggy carries an anthemic mood.
Closer to the end, “I’m Sailing, I’m Sailing” makes good use of Mark Kibble’s vocal harmonies amid the emotive album highlight, and “Captain Noah” exits with a bluesy appeal thanks to the cozy harmonica and poetic demeanor.
A thoughtful affair that indeed could ignite a sailing excursion, Anderson’s craft is moving, introspective and timeless.
Travels well with: Ynana Rose- Under A Cathedral Sky; Leslie Evers- Bound For Land