Roger Street Friedman

Love Hope Trust Acoustic

The Playroom, 2023

8/10

Listen to Love Hope Trust Acoustic

The folk/Americana artist Roger Street Friedman is as exceptional at storytelling as he is songwriting, and these 12 tunes welcome help from Larry Campbell on several instruments, plus many others for the tracks about modern living.

“Ghosts Of Sugarland” starts the listen with Friedman’s vivid storytelling alongside acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle and mandolin that quickly turns into a crisp, fuller folk-rocker, and “Mother And Son” follows with a ‘70s influenced ballad that details the unique love between mother and son.

Further on, the Latin spirited “Vapor In The Air” brings accordion from Gil Goldstein to the cultured warmth, while “Cut Your Losses” recruits glowing pedal steel and strategic upright bass to the finger picked acoustic guitar and expressive pipes.

Residing near the end, the baritone guitar and string section from Larry Campbell helps make “Thankful For This Day” the album’s best in its timeless folk-rock demeanor that highlights Lev and Allie Freidman’s backing vocals, and the title track exits with an upbeat, bluesy rocker that showcases a frisky rhythm section that’s quite animated.

This is Friedman’s 4th album, and the musicians Jim Toscano (drums, percussion), Matthew Schneider (bass), Jason Crosby (keys, harmonium), and Ben Odom, L. Schamell Thompson, Teresa Williams and Lucy Kaplansky’s backing vocals continue a path of music that fits in well with Cat Stevens and Jackson Browne.

Travels well with: Lara Taubman- Ol’ Kentucky Light; Roger Street Friedman- Love Hope Trust