Crooked Road
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The guitarist and singer-songwriter Steve Erickson brings plenty of mountain influence to this tribute to Appalachian Music, where nods to old time and bluegrass are never far from the surface.
The title track starts the listen and wastes no time drawing us in via the flowing banjo and Erickson’s expressive voice, and “Lay Me Down Beside My Love” follows with warm gestures from the cozy vocal harmonies and Ron Stewart’s precise fiddle.
Moving into the middle, “Fair And Tender Ladies” welcomes Bill Starks’ intimate piano that suits the gorgeous singing, while “Blue Horizon” is an upbeat and playful album highlight that will get your body moving thanks to Miles Leider’s frisky drums and Marcy Marxer’s dreamy penny whistle.
Deeper still, the emotive and poetic “Flip Side” pairs Erickson’s stirring voice with elegant acoustic guitar, and “In The Sweet By And By” exits with soft harmonies and pretty string interaction for a thoughtful bluegrass finish.
A highly melodic affair that draws from country, folk, bluegrass and the blues, Erickson and company make for much beauty and gracefulness across these rich songs.
Travels well with: Crow And Gazelle- as above now so below; Muriel Anderson- Sailing Dreams