Sunday, April 10, 2016

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

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for this review - Harnam here and I really appreciate it - I saw this on Amazon back in the day and now looking at your blog I realize we share a lot of similar influences. I didn't realize how prolific you are and how eclectic your tastes. I am about to release a new album and wanted to send you info and previews ... here's a link for the new single about to drop on 10/22/21: https://promo.theorchard.com/HHmYUWpvit7GfpE1G1ZA let me know if you are interested and I will send you more info about the full album called Time is Now set for release in early 2022 - thanks Harnam - my email is harnamji@gmail.com Im on IG @iamharnam

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