Outpourings
Stone Barn, 2023
8/10
The singer-songwriter and guitarist Craig Bickhardt brings along an excellent cast of musicians for these 13 tracks of Americana and folk sounds that comes with eloquent storytelling from a life well lived.
“Breaking The Bread” starts the listen in folk balladry, where Bickhardt’s smooth voice is wise and warm alongside the intricate acoustic guitar, and “Ancient Lullabies” follows with Pete Wasner’s graceful piano complementing the emotive singing.
Moving along, “She Won’t Be Yours Alone” comes with a cozy melody that benefits from Byron House’s well timed bass and soothing harmony vocals, while “Ha’penny Standup” welcomes timeless folk-rock that’s full of vivid imagery and Bickhardt’s inviting voice.
Nearing the end, Bill Miller lends his Native American instrumentation (flute, gourd, war cry) to the powerful and breezy “Hills Of Geronimo”, which is the album’s best, and “I Live For This” exits with jazz nods to complement the charming guitar and soothing backing vocals.
A very sincere and heartfelt body of work, the inclusion of Michael G. Ronstadt’s cello, John Mock’s classical guitar, pennywhistle and harmonium and Tommy Geddes’ drums only adds to the appeal of this well thought out record.
Travels well with: Gordon Thomas Ward- Whispers From The Woods; Ken Dunn- Anthology, Volume 1