All That You Can Dream
Yep Roc, 2022
8/10
Listen to All That You Can Dream
Like many artists during the pandemic, Grant-Lee Phillips was unable to tour, so he recorded this 11th album at home, where he’s accompanied by Jay Bellerose on drums/percussion and Jennifer Condos on bass, plus some guests to help illuminate his relatable song craft.
“A Sudden Place” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar, Phillips’ cozy, friendly singing and cello by Richard Dodd and piano by Jamie Edwards to complement the elegance, and “Cruel Trick” follows with a rich version of folk-rock that’s full of strategic drumming and percussion from Bellerose.
Further along, “Rats In A Barrel” brings plenty of intimacy to the vivid storytelling of the poetic Americana, while “Cut To The Ending” benefits much from the graceful piano of Edwards on the dreamy album highlight.
Near to the end, “Remember This” makes good use of Eric Heywood’s pedal steel as some country nods enter the reflective tone, and “All By Heart” exits with much emotion and flowing melody populating the soaring folk sensibilities.
A very introspective affair, Phillips handles vocals, guitars, piano, Mellotron, pump organ and keys with much grace, and his very sincere brand of singer-songwriter prowess is especially comforting across this career highlight.
Travels well with: Josh Rouse- Love In The Modern Age; Jesse Malin- Outsiders