Songs From Yesterday
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
Listen to Songs From Yesterday
The Latin-American pianist Joshua Espinoza makes quite an impression with this sophomore album, where Kris Monson and Jaron Lamar Davis accompany him for the songs about his life and the music that has shaped his existence.
The very warm keys of the mesmerizing “Adrift” opens the listen with a soothing quality, and “Appalachian Wanderer” follows with the meticulous piano alongside Davis’ strategic drums for the dynamic interaction between the two.
Further along, the intimate song craft of “Yesterday” flows with a very radiant demeanor of beauty, while the bouncy “Eleanor Rigby” makes great use of Monson’s bass for the more rock focused album highlight.
Close to the end, “Don’t Fan The Flame” is both busy and calm, where some lower rumbling is met with crisp drumming, and “Hallelujah” exits with a very careful and emotive take on a classic that uses the plucked bass sublimely amid the mature keys and soft drums.
Espinoza is influenced by jazz, folk, blues, classical impressionism, chamber music and pop, and together with Monson and Davis he pens a harmonic, melodic and groove filled listen that will be forever timeless.
Travels well with: Tigeroak- Living And Living; Luumu- Elephant Love Song