Man With The Muse
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A well thought out listen that examines the beauty and sometimes problematic aspects of life, Bryce Ernest Taylor brings us a vocally strong listen that’s full of rich song craft that welcomes many players on strings.
“Black Dog” starts the listen with Taylor’s warm banjo and expressive singing in the bluegrass flavored landscape, and “What Happens To The Music” follows with Matthew Liversedge’s graceful cello helping cultivate a very stirring delivery.
In the middle, “Kickin’ Off Our Shoes” is a more upbeat and playful display of timeless folk qualities, where the intricate finger picking recruits Kels Cordaré on cello and violin to complement Taylor’s radiant mandolin, while “Naturally You” showcases Jonathan New’s strategic upright bass amid the themes of nature in the bouncy album highlight.
Close to the end, “Water” offers a reflective demeanor with Taylor Shuck’s banjo alongside soothing vocal harmonies, and “Isle Of Skye” exits with a Celtic appeal that’s armed with Seth Murphy’s cello to accent the dreaminess of the textured finish.
A very collaborative affair that embraces Americana, folk and bluegrass ideas into a progressive formula, Taylor and company make for a highly mature, unpredictable and universally enjoyable 11 tunes.
Travels well with: Jared Rabin- Chasing The Light; James Keelaghan- Second-Hand