Ripples In The Wake
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
An album of all originals, the very thoughtful singer-songwriter Kirby Heard pens songs that are heartfelt and full of profound self-reflection across this wise and timeless affair.
“Angel Wings” starts the listen with Kaitlin Grady’s warm cello complementing Heard’s pretty guitar and expressive singing in the folk influenced climate, and “Grab The Lightning” follows with Bob Hight’s charming mandolin and FJ Ventre’s upright bass helping make for a poetic version of Americana.
Further along, “Sweet Days Of Summer” benefits from Jon Shain’s pretty acoustic guitar, as Heard’s lovely voice emits vivid storytelling, while “(That’s What Makes) A Bluegrass Song” is indeed in bluegrass territory thanks to Joseph Decosimo’s agile fiddle and Julie Elkins’ playful banjo.
Making our ways towards the end, “Better This Way” brings Shain’s acoustic and resonator guitar to a very intimate and eloquent album highlight, and “My Body, My Voice” exits with guitar, mandolin and harmony vocals in the protest folk song.
A very genuine listen that touches on the human experience, Heard and company make for a folk/bluegrass/Americana hybrid that is all substance and no flash.
Travels well with: Megan Bee- Cottonwood; Angela Easterling- Witness