Crazy Talk
Sonic Peach, 2024
8/10
The Canadian roots artist Howard Gladstone returns with an 8th album, and the 12 songs welcome many players for a diverse and memorable effort.
“Show A Little Love” starts the listen with Gladstone’s distinct voice alongside Glenn Anderson’s agile drumming and Jacob Gorzhaltsan’s soulful tenor sax, and the title track follows with Bob Cohen’s precise bass and Laura Fernandez’s pretty backing vocals adding much beauty and grace.
Moving into the middle, the stirring strings of “Sea Of Sorrow” suits the intimate and poetic climate, while “Oh The Waters” benefits much from Ed Michael Roth’s strategic accordion amid Tony Quarrington’s meticulous mandolin.
The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint, either. “Bodies In Motion” places Alan McKinlay on backing vocals that complement the frisky delivery, and “That’s How It Goes” exits with Shelley Coopersmith on viola and violin and George crotty handling cello for the rich finish.
A well thought out body of work that embraces folk, jazz, orchestral and world music, Gladstone and company pull from a variety of influences for the timeless and enlightening record.
Travels well with: Mike Evin- Something Stirs When You Sing; Ian North- Everything Is Incomplete