Ethan Walker’s solo debut, Tears of Joy, is a transcendent acoustic rock album with a blending of celestial qualities and a folk twang. Walker, most noted for his work as a percussionist for the Denver-based Fat Sow band, does all the instrumentation for the album – aside from violin, done by Brent Williams. The new project not only captures his love of music, but also serves as a manifestation of his new spiritual path of meditation and devotion.
Roaring violin, sensuous piano, or joyous flute – each diverse track offers a unique complement to Walker’s foundation of drifting acoustic melodies and soothing vocals; this refreshing emphasis on variety seems to be a lost art among other singer/songwriters. Whether it is the psychedelic pink and blue album cover or his various gigs around present-day hippie communes, Walker’s music draws a great deal of inspiration from the counter-culture movement of the 60’s, which has undeniably shaped contemporary folk rock. Tracks like Garden of Our Heart could easily be mistaken for something from CSNY’s Déjà Vu. The harmonized vocalizations that characterize the album seem as if Walker, ever the believer in the spiritual realm, may be channeling Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. The excellent production quality helps minimize the dated feel, as the only negative of the album is that it may be 30 years too late to be truly appreciated. Ethan Walker’s Tears of Joy has a classic folk rock sound and a divine feel, a great first solo release from a tremendously talented musician.
No Comments Yet
No comments yet.
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
