Forgottonia
Gin Ride, 2023
8/10
The roots influenced songwriter Chris Vallillo pens a listen inspired by the people and places occupying American’s heartland, and he’s got an excellent cast of players on hand for the diverse and timeless affair.
“The King Of Iowa” opens the listen with Valillo’s deep pipes alongside the slide guitar and crisp drums in the rockabilly climate, and “The Bootlegger” follows with an old time feel that benefits from banjo and jaw harp for the distinct rural feel.
Halfway through, “Ma Belle” displays meticulous finger picking that takes nods to French Cajun ideas and showcases Dennis Stroughmatt’s fiddle skills, while “Flower In A Crannied Wall” uses bass strategically for the rhythmic and flowing instrumental.
Near to the end, “Cliché” places the jazz wizard David Stiernberg on mandolin for the upbeat and frisky album highlight, and “Softly And Tenderly” exits with much grace and intimacy thanks to the pensive melody via the 9 string parlor guitar.
A very thoughtful listen that pays homage to the rural Midwest, Vallillo touches on gospel, folk, and Americana, and names like Ry Cooder, Guy Clark and Steve Goodman might come to mind, too, via his rich and eloquent song craft.
Travels well with: Daniel Janke- Songs Of Small Resistance; Greg Greenway- Between Hello & Goodbye