Beautiful Thing
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Canadian folk duo of Heather Read and Jonny Miller, i.e. Peach & Quiet, returns with 12 originals that span Americana, blues, rock and ‘70s psychedelia that often seems rooted in Laurel Canyon ideas.
The lush and warm “Beautiful Thing” opens the listen with Miller’s flowing pipes alongside Gary Craig’s agile drumming and Read’s gorgeous harmony vocals, and “Calgary Skyline” follows with a bit of twang present as thicker bouts touch on retro-rock swagger.
In the middle, “Just Before Dawn” welcomes Steve Dawson on guitar for the gritty yet melodic intimacy that places Read on lead vocals, while “Horse And Saddle” recruits plenty of rhythm, where Chris Gestrin’s keyboard skills won’t go unnoticed.
Nearing the end, “Song From A Tree”, the album’s best, is a timeless, poetic folk tune that radiates a stirring coziness from Read’s sublime singing, and “When You’re Gone” exits with Miller’s pipes front and center, and are complemented by Gestrin’s playful keys and Jeremy Holmes’ precise bass.
A collection of songs straight from the heart, Read and Miller began these songs during the dark times of the pandemic, and they represent moving into the light, and will certainly strike a chord with anyone in tune with sincere and diverse forms of folk music from any period.
Travels well with: Ben De La Cour- Shadow Land; Karen Jonas- Summer Songs