Earthly And Cosmic Tales
Night Bird, 2024
8/10
Listen to Earthly And Cosmic Tales
A collection of 8 originals and 2 covers, the guitarist Bruce Lofgren is joined by an excellent cast for plenty of improvised solos and melodic ideas via the instrumental interplay.
The cozy spirit of “Summer Passage” starts the listen with Geoff Nudell’s warm clarinet and Billy Hulting’s playful hand percussion, and “Fields Of Praise” follows with Craig Fundiga’s dreamy vibes that are complemented by Lofgren’s gentle guitar.
In the middle, the frisky “Tripsy” comes with plenty of rhythm thanks to the flowing percussion and bright clarinet, while “Orange Crate Art” benefits much from Hope Easton’s elegant cello that suits the poetic album highlight.
“Spend The Night” and “Desert Flower” exit the listen, where the former is a richly textured moment of exploration and gracefulness that allows Randy Landas’ bass to shine, and the latter truly illustrates Lofgren’s meticulous guitar vision amid the orchestral and chamber influences.
The Stevie Wonder and Van Dyke Parks interpretations are excellent, and the originals aren’t anything to spit at either, as Lofgren and company balance each song splendidly.
Travels well with: Foreign Affair Trio- Sous Le Vent; Eric Frazier- That Place