Songs Inspired By Witness
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
Listen to Songs Inspired By A Witness
A concept album that’s taken 8 years to create, Derrick and Jodi Mears take inspiration from a novel by Karen Hesse for these folk and Americana fueled stories.
The rich storytelling of “Running Booze” starts the listen with Derrick’s expressive voice alongside fluid banjo, and “Scribbler-Part 1”, which is a brief but impactful minute, follows with soaring vocals and soft instrumentation that’s eloquent.
Further along, “Perfect Son” emits much melody, powerful singing and well timed bass from Jodi, while “Only The River Knows” comes with intricate banjo and a poetic quality that unfolds via a sublime intimacy.
Arriving close to the end, “Viola” radiates beauty and grace thanks to the soft strings and emotive vocals, and “The Scribbler-Part III” continues with chunky banjo and gentle singing for the brief extension of the earlier Scribbler selections, which are written from the perspective of Reynard Alexander.
An album of all substance, the bluegrass, roots and Americana blend with a soulful quality that illuminates the voices of the downtrodden with much care.
Travels well with: Sarah Pierce- Blessed By The West; Heather Pierson- Back To The Light