Fireflies
Coil, 2018
8/10
A Latin Grammy winner and globally recognized artist, Ben Gundersheimer, aka Mister G, has dabbled in many genres with his family friendly song craft, and on this 9th album he’s in fine company as many contributors aid in the timeless and eclectic delivery.
The title track starts the listen with gentle acoustic strumming alongside Mister G’s intimate and expressive vocals that harmonize well in the folk balladry as strings enter the equation, and “Sweet Summertime” follows with some playful rhythm amid the graceful atmosphere and fine Hammond organ fills from Rodney Alejandro.
Halfway through, “Big Old World” recruits fiddle from Ruth Ungar for the rural, Americana beauty that’s complete with an infectious chorus, while “Four Footed Friend” is a touching tune for the animal lover that’s as eloquent as it is poetic. “Together As One”, one of the album’s best, then uses pedal steel strategically in the melodic and anthemic, protest folk climate.
Near the end, “Perfect Day” is a cautious, warm strummer that describes summer perfect with vivid imagery, and the intricate and moving song craft of “Moonbeams” finishes out the exit with soft female backing vocals from Lucy Kalantari as Mister G’s electric guitar skills highlight the mood.
Mister G has played everything from bluegrass to bossa nova, and here he flirts with folk, bluegrass, soul and country sounds, where organic noisemakers align with songs about the simpler moments of life we take for granted, making this the ideal listen in these often hectic, complicated times.
Travels well with: Evan And Vanessa- In Our World There Are No Strangers; Jesse Jukebox- Awesome!