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This fine debut album from East Nashville singer/songwriter Josh Farrow mixes Southern soul, shades of The Band and Leon Russell and is one of the most wonderfully fluid things I’ve listened to as of late.  The playing is tight; the arrangements are stellar and the production suits the album in the right fashion.

From the opening notes of “I’ll Be Your Fool” with its Hammond B3 punches and the instant groove, you know your in for some meaty sounds; “Wash Me In The Well” goes for a deeper blues vibe; his vocals punctuate the melody in an on-the-one manner naturally – he’s one singer who doesn’t over-reach his range and it works on this syrupy grind.  “Before You Leave” is slow, sweet, stark and sad – the use of echo on the vocals works to great effect (and there are some chill-inducing harmonies which makes it even better); “Time (Ain’t No Friend Of Mine)” is another soul-groover with a hypnotic riff and a bass line that carries it all together like a river and “Who’s Gonna Love You When I’m Gone?” is the album’s centerpiece with its instant catchiness and soulful frame.  “No Need To Say Goodbye” is a gospel-tinged number harkening back to Music From Big Pink (!) and the haunting acoustic “Trouble Walks With Me” is the perfect way to sign off from a powerful maiden voyage.

“Soul” is the key here – and this album’s ten tracks have it.  As does Josh Farrow’s voice.  And if this album is an indication of where this young man can go, it can only mean he’s heading off for a long and illustrious career.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Trouble Walks With Me will be released on Friday, October 28th, 2016

www.joshfarrow.com

 

About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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