Roots & Byways
Sunnyside, 2026
8/10
The pianist Ran Blake and vocalist Dominique Eade come together for an eclectic range of standards, pop songs, film music, and folk songs.
“Mood Indigo” opens with the cozy keys and expressive voice making an impression of warmth, and “Grey December” follows with emotive singing amid the rich piano presence.
Closer to the middle, “Who Cares” emits firm keys alongside the adaptable pipes thanks to Eade’s impressive range, while “Way Out There” uses tense bouts and soft gestures that illustrates the chemistry between the duo.
Arriving late, “You Go To My Head” carries a cinematic quality via Blake’s agile fingers, and “Watch What Happens” exits with a lush and romantic mood.
An effort that pulls from the American Songbook with care, Blake and Eade make each track their own thanks to the emotional delivery and influences from blues, folk, Americana and classical sounds.
Travels well with: Alister Spence- Always Ever; Caleb Wheeler Curtis- Ritual