It Matters
Berkalin, 2025
9/10
The guitarist and vocalist C. Daniel Boling is joined by Tom Paxton’s voice and many others for these 16 sincere songs that explore politics, society, religion, love and nature, among many other relatable topics.
The warm banjo from Boling across "Hidey-Ho” begins with Paxton’s warm and gritty pipes, and it isn’t long until “Sgt. Reckless” carries a pretty tone via Boling’s poetic pipes and Char Rothschild’s well timed tin whistle and Kelly Mulhollan’s cozy ukulele.
Closer to the middle, Paxton’s distinct voice guides the rural spirt of “Old Red Barn”, where Gina Forsyth’s fiddle and Jon Gagan’s upright bass make an impression, while “Whistlin’ Our Song” recruits James Raymond’s mature keys and Bill Hearne’s dreamy guitar amid Lucy Moore’s upbeat whistling.
Later still, “God Is Too Big” places Brant Leeper’s moody B3 organ alongside Boling and Paxton’s flowing vocals, and “Goodnight” exits with a soft and intimate finish that carries a lullaby appeal.
A harmonic and wise effort, the stripped back, acoustic folk playing from these 2 veteran musicians comes with timeless storytelling and much authenticity.
Travels well with: Domenic Cicala- As Good As It Gets/Vamoose; Eric Schmitt- Wait For The Night