Devils & Doves
Self-Released, 2026
9/10
The Boston guitarist and vocalist Sam Bergquist is joined by an excellent cast for these authentic and relatable songs that surround the simple joys of being alive.
“Envy Blues” starts with Bergquist’s distinct pipes and playful guitar alongside Sean Staples’ bright mandolin in the frisky climate, and “Smoke” follows with Jason Altshuler’s warm pedal steel amid Georgia Bowder Newton’s cozy harmony voice that suits Bergquist’s bright storytelling.
“The Rifle And The Dove” lands in the middle and invites Jon Finn’s slide guitar to the rhythmic landscape, while “Louisiana Lightning” tugs on the heartstrings via Dave Westner’s moody bass and drums that complements Bergquist’s emotive harmonica in the lush album highlight.
Deeper still, the animated “Goin’ Out Walkin’” recruits Josh Berlin’s fiddle and alternates between soft and energetic bouts, and “New Day” exits with a scrappy and upbeat folky spirit that you could dance to thanks to the charming love song.
Bergquist’s vision is all over the place. Humorous, heartfelt and gritty, there’s folk, country and blues ideas present that won’t take long to make an impression across the very human experience.
Travels well with: Mike Hollon- Irving Park; Fox Run Five- Holding Out Hope