Lavender Moonshine
Tomboy Girl, 2023
9/10
This 18th album from the singer-songwriter and guitarist Tret Fure has the artist in great company, where many genres are explored in and around folk ideas, and the lyrical content touches on very topical themes.
The very pretty and heartfelt title track opens the listen with a country waltz that uses John Gardner’s cautious percussion sublimely, and “The Language Of Love” follows with a jazz friendly quality that makes great use of Ally Hany Albrecht’s muted trumpet in the melodic climate.
Deeper into the listen, “Waiting All My Life” finds an intimate place to reside, where Kristen E. Jones’ lends gorgeous cello, while “No Place Like Home” is a classic folk tune that unveils a John Prine influence amid the flowing acoustic guitar.
Landing near the end, “The Great Backslide” is an upbeat and powerful album highlight that allows Fure’s voice to soar, and “Peanut Butter Toast” exits with a glowing love song that’s playful and harmonic.
A listen that spans folk, country, jazz and blues, Fure’s observations on life and love are insightful and sincere, and the excellent musicians listed above, plus Alison Prestwood (bass), Jon Carroll (keys, guitars, vocals), Leigh Pilzer (tenor sax), Jim Hoke (concertino, autoharp) and Karl Werne (vocals) sure are appreciated.
Travels well with: Joy Zimmerman- Where The Light Lives; Rachel Anne Goodman- California Morning