Safe Passage
Black Mesa, 2019
9/10
A longtime musician who has provided invaluable support for artists like John Moreland, Samantha Crain and Lee Bains III + The Glory Files, John Calvin Abney has also dabbled in film scoring, too. With Safe Passage, his 4th solo album, Abney delivers a listen based on observations set to his eclectic and easily embraceable sounds.
“I Just Want To Feel Good” gets the album started with quick finger pickin’ in the dreamy folk tune, and “Kind Days” follows with female harmony vocals on the cautious, warm setting that touches on ‘60s beach sounds.
Further on, “When The Dark Winds Blow” recruits harmonicas on the flowing Americana highlight, while “Honest Liar” offers a slow burning affair with much depth and grace.
Near the end, “Typeface In Bold” has Abney and company tapping into their soulful side with sparse beauty, and “Maybe Happy” exits the listen with plenty of melody and nature in the synth friendly conclusion.
if you’re like me, you hadn’t heard of Abney before this, but you certainly won’t forget him after hearing Safe Passage, as the troubadour takes pieces of the bands he’s play with and melds a unique formula that’s touching, forthright and immediately memorable.
Travels well with: Austin Lucas- Stay Reckless; Jared Deck- Jared Deck