Upstate Crossroads
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The veteran musician Tim Ball brings much talent and experience to this well thought out solo record that welcomes many players to songs that revolve around roots, folk, Celtic, bluegrass and old time sounds.
The swift and meticulous “Sugar In The Gourd” starts the listen with Ball’s energetic fiddle and Maddie Whitler’s stunning mandolin prowess making for an upbeat, bluegrass instrumental, and “Chorus Jig And Opera Reel” follows with Ball handling foot percussion, too, alongside Kimberly Holmes’ elegant piano playing for the contra dance climate.
In the middle, the romantic “My Charming Wife” has Ball being joined by David Surette’s mandolin, Andrew Vannorstand’s guitar and Harry Aceto’s bass for the waltz, while “The Fireplace Set” benefits much from Aceto’s playful bass and Holmes’ agile keys that complement Ball’s very animated fiddle.
Close to the end, the very intimate “The Shepherd Medley” has Ball displaying his fiddle, guitar and strings skills amid Owen Marshall’s bouzouki manipulation, and the bouncy “The Democratic Rage” exits with frisky piano and charming bass that suits the inestimable fiddle.
Also a guitarist for the Celtric trio Arise & Go, and a player in festival outfits like Empty Hats and Cantiga, Ball is off to an exceptional solo career, as evidenced by these timeless and infectious 12 songs.
Travels well with: Merle Monroe- Songs Of A Simple Life; Flashback- Blues Around My Cabin