One Sky
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
The Canadian troubadour Philip Scott Poli makes quite an impression here on his debut solo album, although with his impressive resume in the Toronto music scene that includes a decade performing with The Fabulous Haircuts, we shouldn’t be surprised.
The title track starts the listen with mandolin and steel guitar giving it a warm Americana slant as Poli’s deep pipes are complemented by pretty female vocals, and “Already Want You” follows with soothing accordion from Caroline King as folk qualities enter the soft, thoughtful climate.
At the halfway point, “I’m Right There” recruits piano balladry, as Poli’s strong pipes are on full display amid vivid storytelling where Mark Evitts contributes strings, while “Dream Me Eagles” takes nod to country music with an inimitable delivery of cautious, memorable songwriting. “In My Father’s Heart”, one of the record’s best, then benefits greatly from a sublime atmosphere as Poli’s expressive singing suits Dale Rivard’s pedal steel and Johnny McCullough’s piano.
“Shine” and “The Story” exit the listen, where the former is a dreamy and powerful execution of timeless song craft, and the latter pairs piano alongside Poli’s versatile singing with much beauty and depth.
Recorded during the period of Covid isolation, One Sky brings in an international cast of musicians to help flesh out this very well thought out and precisely performed album that surrounds love, loss, connection and hope- themes that we can all relate to right now.
Travels well with: Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt- Shadow Of The Cyclone; Ken Dunn- Ashes In The Morning