Sojourn Of A Burning Sun
Renew, 2020
8/10
Listen to Sojourn Of A Burning Sun
Formerly an integral player in the always impressive folk outfit Elephant Revival, these days Daniel Rodriguez is on his own, and on this debut solo album he brings in guests from Mandolin Orange and Greensky Bluegrass to help flesh out the folk and bluegrass friendly sounds.
After the brief radio static of the AM dial opener “Static Splash”, “As I Am” brings birds chirping that leads into warm acoustic strumming where pedal steel and backing vocals add much to the pretty, rootsy climate.
Further along, the title track is a bare display of guitars and piano interacting fluidly with a celesta, while “Snowman” offers careful picking and greater presence from drums where a mandolin adds much to the thoughtful landscape. “This Is Life”, a standout track, then brings horns into its rich textures and playful atmosphere that hints at New Orleans influences.
Closer to the end, “World Of Broken Hearts” is particularly more moody as strings give it an orchestral slant, and “The Unknown” exits the listen pairing keys alongside Rodriguez’s expressive pipes, where chamber ideas are strategically included on the melancholy finish.
An album that took 2 years to make, 2018 wasn’t an easy year for Rodriguez as both his band and 14 year relationship dissolved, but don’t mistake Sojourn Of A Burning Sun for a break up record. It’s a new beginning, a fresh chapter that illustrates Rodriguez’s immense talent with eclectic, poetic and timeless song craft.
Travels well with: John Craigie- Live-Opening For Steinbeck; Erika Wennerstrom- Sweet Unknown