Moss Meredith – Late For The Moon (reviewed by john r. williamson)
Moss Meredith – Late for the Moon
© 2021 Wild Turkey Records
Marc Moss has worked with Dave (aka Skatman) Meredith for over 30 years. Their gorgeous blending of voices and knack for harmony and heartfelt performances complement each other well and deliver a sound that hearkens to Fairport Convention, Peter Gabriel, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Steely Dan, and Nick Drake with heartland Americana lyrics that compare favorably to Whitman and Sandburg.
The two old friends wrote and recorded this expansive project during the pandemic via Zoom from their respective homes in Red Hook, New York, and Wilmington, Delaware. Though anchored in the folk tradition, the songs traverse a wide stylistic terrain, from wizened troubadour tunes (“Sage Advice”) to blue-collar porch music (“The Wedge”), to understated power pop (“Didn’t See It Coming.”) Things get especially trippy with the raga-influenced world music vibes of “Blackout,” (penned with Steve Black,) and the thoughtful “Fountain of Truth” – which includes a stunning slide guitar solo. The progressive, CSNY-soaked “Without Light” offers a painterly take on reality, with the wonderful line “I see no colors without light” inviting deeper reflection. The album culminates in the beautiful ballad “Precarious,” offering the sage advice that “in any moment, balance can be lost as we approach the edge.”
On balance, Late For The Moon encourages listeners to be driven by love and compassion rather than striving to be right about issues. “If we let the weak among us fall, we’re asking for the same to touch us all” (“Domino Effect”). Rich in melody and thoughtfully produced with mandolin, violin, horns, guitars, drums, and bass, this album rewards the listener after repeated listening. You’ll be humming as you go!
-review by john r. williamson
