Cadence To The Flame
New Folk, 2024
8/10
Listen to Cadence To The Flame
The Minnesota folk musician Nolen Sellwood laid down these tracks live and without any manipulation, where John Wright, Steve Lehto, Owen Reinert Nash and John Reinert Nash are along for the 11 songs.
The cozy and soft “State Of Being” opens with Owen’s light percussion alongside Sellwood’s gentle singing, and “Forthcome” follows with an intimate beauty via the meticulous guitar and light vocals.
Further along, “Banjo Song” has Sellwood’s falsetto guiding the fluid banjo and rich songwriting, while “Masque” benefits much from John Wright’s meticulous bass amid the poetic demeanor.
Close to the end, the minimal and strong attention to mood of “Lavender” allows Lehto’s impressive guitar to cultivate mystery, and the title track exits with a sparseness that’s distinct and memorable.
This is Sellwood’s 2nd album, and it sees the artist coming into his own as a musician and songwriter. Subtle help from Hovda’s trumpet and John’s sax won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated, either.
Travels well with: The Twins Of Franklin- This Life; Samuel Wilbur- The Age