Andrew Hibbard
Sofaburn, 2020
8/10
A poet and singer-songwriter from Ohio, though Andrew Hibbard is still a youngster, he plays like an old soul as influences like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Hank Williams are present on this 3rd album where the troubadour blends folk, country and blues with much appeal.
“Changes” starts the listen warm and inviting with an old time feel as Hibbard’s distinct pipes bring us back many decades alongside soothing pedal steel, and “Homewrecker” follows with a fluid folk tune amid breezy harmonica.
In the middle, “I’m Comin’ Over Tonight” unfolds with a poetic feel as percussion adds much to the atmosphere, while “Talkin’ Foolin’ Around Blues” offers spoken word alongside a hypnotic melody. “All Alone”, one of the album’s best, then uses brushed percussion and aching pedal steel in the pretty, stirring setting.
Near the end, the bouncy delivery of “I Wanna Go Back Home” takes nods to retro country, and “Running From The Enemy” exits the listen calm, lush and full of sincere song craft.
Hibbard has been playing guitar since the age of 6, and at just 25 he’s building an impressive catalog of eloquent, twang friendly songwriting that, at this pace anyway, will likely put him in a league with those that he draws inspiration from by the time he’s 35.
Travels well with: Todd Snider- Cash Cabin Sessions Vol. 3; Pokey LaFarge- Rock Bottom Rhapsody