Starry Sounds
Self-Released, 2019
9/10
The Kansas City troubadour Todd Warner Moore doesn’t sit still in one genre, as the prolific songwriter brings all sorts of sophisticated ideas to his 2nd album of 2019.
The title track gets the listen started with warm strumming and fragile vocals from Moore on the initially sparse tune that builds into a sweeping, orchestral gem, and “Ebb And Flow” follows with moody strings in the dual gender, emotive tune with vivid wordplay.
Elsewhere, “See So Clearly” twinkles with a folk spirit and a darker spirit, while “Lapis Largo” offers a fuller display of instrumental prowess in the upbeat tune that’s textured beautifully.
Near the end, “Coffee Conversations” has Moore hitting some high notes in the reflective atmosphere where a cello adds greatly to the experience, and “All The Lives” strips the landscape bare with just an acoustic guitar on the singer-songwriter album highlight. “Slate” ends the listen with subdued rhythm and strategic percussion that tips its hat to Latin flavor.
His 4th album since June 2018, though Moore puts much music out, his volume doesn’t detract from his quality, as Starry Sounds is rich with subtle power and gorgeous intimacy that’s both moving and timeless.
Travels well with: Matt Pond PA- Still Summer; The Rightly So- Vandura