Humphrey-McKeown - Tapestry of Shadows

Humphrey-McKeown

Tapestry of Shadows
self-released; 2017

3.9 out of 5

By Dan Weston

Heather Humphrey (vocals/piano/flute), Tom McKeown (vocals/guitars/mandolin/banjo harmonica), Jim Livas (drums/percussion), Tony Meadors (bass/background vocals) and Gary Jacklin (violin/vocals) are Humphrey-McKeown.

​McKeown starting working with Humphrey in 2006 and since then they have released a good amount of music since then. The band seemed to go through a creative floodgate when they became a band in 2011. They released four studio albums between 2012 and 2015. That’s almost one album a year. Their latest entitled Tapestry of Shadows is due out next month.

Tapestry of Shadows is an easy to enjoy album for a number of reasons. The production is stop notch, the instrumental work is both creative and technically minded and the catchy melodies are prevalent whether it’s from an upright bass or a vocalist. 

They mix aspects of folk and rock as well as a couple of other genres into an impressive array of sounds. Suffice it to say Tapestry of Shadows is an album that is easy on the ears. Grab the beverage of your choice and sit back and relax while taking this in .

Up first is “Beautiful.” I dare you not to enjoy the organic strings and upbeat and jovial vibe. The vocal harmonies are mixed just about perfectly. Up next is “Better Day” where Humphrey is on lead vocal for the first verse. She sounds very soulful on this track. The fiddle sounds especially good.

​The band continues with the jazzy and relaxing “You Don’t Know Me.” The upright bass really gives the song a distinct feel and the fiddle almost feels Mediterranean.

“Sasha On The Carousel” is a warm, nostalgic emotionally resonant track free of percussion while “Your Secret’s Safe” and “You and I” does a fair amount of rocking. They close the album with “Sunshine Today” which is about as happy sounding as the title indicate. 

Overall, Tapestry of Shadows is a no brainer. I’m more than convinced you will be a fan when you hear it.

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