Tobacco & Rose
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
The recording moniker of the veteran Canadian artist Richard Moody, as Tobacco & Rose he pens a debut album that uses folk and Americana ideas that welcomes plenty of players to the 9 tracks.
The very lovely “Tara” opens with Moody’s expressive voice and soft guitar that tugs on the heartstrings, and “Brave Earth” follows with Joey Smith’s gentle bass and Adrian Dolan’s calm keys amid soothing vocal harmonies.
The middle tracks belong to “You And I” and “Path Of The Heart”. The former benefits from Kelby MacNayr’s cozy drumming alongside a distinct dreaminess, while the latter is a fuller moment that makes cautious use of Tyler Lieb’s atmospheric pedal steel and Peter Dowse’s well timed electric bass which suit Moody’s poetic pipes.
Landing close to the end, the stirring strings of “Broken Angel” are complemented by Luke Doucet’s meticulous guitar and June Mirochnick’s strategic drumming, and “Where My Lover Goes” exits with flowing melodies and eloquence via Moody’s timeless vision.
A highly spiritual effort, nods to Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell or Nick Drake are much appreciated, and Moody’s studies in classical sounds are also put to good use across these enlightening tracks.
Travels well with: West Of Rome- Keep It Fly In The Negative Zone; Michael Rudd- Going To The Mountain