Ivyland
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
This 5th album from the Long Island folk artist James O’Malley recruits a large cast for 12 songs of vivid storytelling and meticulous fingerstyle guitar playing.
“Did You Ever Hear Her Sing Hallelujah” starts with O’Malley’s precise guitar playing alongside the light keys and dreamy mood that uses Gary Oleyar’s fiddle sublimely, and “Penny In My Pocket” follows with playful singing and Jim Salamone’s punchy drums that suits the upbeat climate.
“Laughter And Love” arrives in the middle and blends the mature piano and stirring strings amid emotive singing via the intimate delivery, while “My One And Only One” moves cautiously thanks to a romantic ambience that tugs on the heartstrings.
Getting close to the end, “When The Morning Comes” recruits a scrappy demeanor that enlists Joe Porcelli’s lap steel which adds much to the rich album highlight, and “Finally Free” exits with a harmonic bout that invites singing-along to the retro-folk ideas.
An introspective and relatable effort, O’Malley knows his way around a guitar like few others, and the many players on hand help flesh out a really timeless and memorable album.
Travels well with: Robin Batteau- Banned In Sparta; Marian Mastrorilli- Sea Salt And Sawdust