Paper Boats
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A Nashville artist who cut his teeth as a session and touring musician, James Digirolamo brings a wealth of experience to this solo EP, where influences as varied as Elliott Smith and Stevie Wonder are evident and appreciated under his detailed vision.
“Same Boat” starts the listen with a stylish delivery of modern pop prowess that’s soulful, a little funky and a lot playful, and this memorable formula continues to the warm piano and breathy singing of “The Girl Who Has Everything”, which even points at jazz traces.
In the middle, the gentle acoustic approach of “Sail Away” will certainly appeal to the indie-folk crowd, while the aptly titled “Pure Joy” flows with a percussively strong formula that’s full of expressive singing amid a retro quality.
The final two tracks, “Top Of The World” and “On Paper”, don’t disappoint either, as the former is a calm landscape that benefits from accordion in its dreamy demeanor, and “On Paper” exits the listen with elegance and grace that mesmerizes in its unconventional beauty.
Ultimately a listen of love songs, Digirolamo doesn’t do anything in the traditional sense, and this striking EP certainly warrants him being front and center musically, lyrically and artistically.
Travels well with: Greg Smith- Redemption Road; Deep Rivers- Nothing Ever Happens To Me