Wildflower Moon
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
The folk artist Tai Shan pens 9 relatable and timeless songs, where nods to Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.
“Road Back To Me” starts the listen with Neilson Hubbard’s thumping drums and plenty of breezy melodies, as Shan’s soaring voice draws us in, and “Wheels And Gasoline” follows with an emotive version of Americana, where Danny Mitchell’s mature keys add much elegance.
“Jump On In” and “Simple Things” land in the middle. The former carries much soul via a gospel spirit that is present amid Lex Price’s strategic bass and Shan’s colorful pipes, while the latter comes with a vintage appeal that showcases Shan’s incredible voice.
Close to the end, “Lullaby Rendevous” is an intimate moment of hushed beauty, and “Sailing Into The Sunset Again” exits with much sophistication and poeticism from Shan’s fertile imagination.
There is a lot of talent and sincerity here, and the hooks, grooves and wise wordplay make revisiting these songs a worthwhile endeavor.
Travels well with: Shawna Virago- Blood In Her Dreams; The Northern Belle- Bats In The Attic