CD Review – All Roads, by Harnam

This is not your typical, meditative, transcendental, new age album. In fact, it is far from it.

Composer, guitarist, and singer Harnam follows in the hallowed tradition of the best singer-songwriters from the 1970s. Like many of the country/folk/pop/rock fusion pioneers of that era, Harnam's music is timeless. However, he does one-up many of those six-stringers with his ambidextrous talents on 8-string, 12-string, and baritone acoustic guitars.

Harnam's easy listening melodies and natural, unassuming vocals make this record accessible to anyone who likes good singing and songwriting regardless of worldview.

Harnam also layers his appealing sound with rich instrumentation from Chris Erbacher on banjo and pedal steel, James Henry on percussion, Charity Kahn on piano, Siri Kartar on banjo and pedal steel, Paul Lamb on electric bass, Daryn Rover on acoustic and electric guitars, Simrit on background vocals, Suzy Thompson on fiddle, Benjy Wertheimer on esraj, Tim White on bamboo flute, and Jake Wood on drums.

This is a fine album whether you're seeking philosophical solace, good music, or both.

--Raj Manoharan