All You Need
Hidden Poet, 2023
8/10
The Maryland singer-songwriter Steven Gellman returns with his 10th album, where appearances from the Seldom Scene, Nina Gerber, Bonnie Rideout, and Cathy Fink & Marcy Maxer, among others, adds much to the modern folk songs.
“Wintering (A Life Well Lived)” opens the listen with swirling guitars and Gellman’s expressive voice that welcomes smooth harmonies and a rich climate, and “Just Like You, Just Like Me” follows with a fuller folk-rock presence that’s got rhythm to the warm delivery.
In the middle, the intimate “Song For A Friend” offers a dreamy moment of beauty and poeticism, while “By The Lake” is particularly luminous, where the reflective mood suits the gentle instrumentation and soothing vocal harmonies.
Elsewhere, the firm banjo of the atmospheric “The Bear Prince” adds plenty of bluegrass nods, and “All You Need” exits with Rideout’s stirring fiddle alongside Gellman’s pensive pipes that finishes the listen with much care.
Whether this is your first with Gellman or you’ve been following all along, you’re going to be impressed with his diverse version of folk sounds, where his genuine spirit is highly appreciated.
Travels well with: Ryan Wayne- Crow Amongst The Sparrows; Noah Zacharin- Points Of Light