Ballad For Brad
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
The jazz guitarist Margaret Slovak returns after a serious car accident left her overcoming massive physical obstacles, and she’s got the bassist Harvie S and the drummer Michael Sarin along for the 10 glowing originals.
“Again” starts the listen with Slovak’s warm and comforting guitar alongside proficient drumming in the elegant climate, and “Flowers For Marie” follows with a darker quality that allows for hypnotic guitar playing and showcases the playful plucked bass.
“Forty-Four” lands in the middle and emits much sublime beauty as Slovak’s progressions on guitar are stunning, while “Courage, Truth And Hope” continues this meticulousness with soothing melodies and dynamic musicianship between the players.
Approaching the end, “Thirty-Three” showcases a rich interaction between the trio, and “Will You Ever Know?” exits the listen with a very complex vision that’s universally welcoming.
Slovak handles nylon and electric guitar with incredible fluidity, and this 4th album as leader and comeback recording after many operations is full of gorgeous waltzes and intimate balladry that’s dedicated to her husband, Brad, who has fought and beat cancer.
Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Overtones; Dave Stryker- As We Are