Timepiece
Tiny Attic, 2023
8/10
The multi-instrumentalist Matthew Morgan brings along Jay Alton, Chris Bosca, Jill Crist and Chris Shaw for these very expressive and rich songs.
The fingestyle playing of the Spanish influenced “Isolation” opens the listen with smooth vocals and mesmerizing guitar, and the title track follows with absorbing balladry that carries a distinct dreaminess.
Halfway through, “Sunny” recruits Crist’s elegant cello for the soft melodies, while “My Oldest Friend” carries a bluegrass spirit via the meticulous picking and crisp percussion.
“One Day Soon” and “Alone In A Crowded Life” exit the listen, where the former places banjo, mandolin and violin into the orchestral nods, and the latter blends guitar and mandolin with Morgan’s poetic singing and playful whistling.
A body of work that lyrically surrounds supporting same sex love and embracing our respective differences, Morgan’s excellent company help him flesh out a melodic, thoughtful and substantial first national release.
Travels well with: Hank Woji- Highways, Gamblers, Devils And Dreams; Owen Walsh- On My Way