Americaña
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
This first album from the multi-instrumentalist Joshua Espinosa isn’t exactly Americana, but it sure does encapsulate a lot of genres stemming from America, which welcomes plenty of players to the diversity.
The upbeat mood of “Saturday Night” begins with Scottie Miller’s lively keys that suit Espinosa’s radiant guitar in a bluesy climate, and the scrappy “Smoothe” follows with buzzing bass and Peter Anderson’s animated drums will get you on the dance floor.
Moving into the middle, the calm atmosphere of “Me Or The Whiskey” lands closer to folk-rock thanks to the warm acoustic guitar and cozy backing vocals, while “Meet Me In Pittsburgh” benefits from Tommy Vee’s frisky upright bass and Paul Odegaard’s rich trumpet amid some intimacy.
Getting closer to the end, “Pure Water” is sparse moment that enlists ukulele and charming storytelling, and “Gracelessness” is actually full of grace via Tommy Barbarella’s well timed keys and Ken Wilson’s glowing pedal steel that complement Espinosa’s poetic pipes.
There’s something for everyone here, and for the eclectic ears you’re going to enjoy every moment of Espinosa’s thoughtful and timeless song craft.
Travels well with: Kevin Bowe And The Okemah Prophets- Half Past Never; The Scarlet Goodbye- Speedway