Dave Sheehan “Summer Flowers” (Rainshadow Records 2006)

Nice laid back set capturing that folky American vibe.

Sheehan is a songwriter from the Northwest of the USA who plays guitar, banjo and sings. Accompanied by a very sympathetic crew on various guitars, dobros, fiddle, accordion, keyboards and attitude he produces a honeyed blanket of countryesque folk that harks back to numerous string driven combos such as The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and permutations of the Holy Modal Rounders/ Jeffrey Fredericks jug band sound. Easy vocals and slick instrumentation (as on “Love On Your Plate” with great fiddle and dobro) combine with a winning lyrical talent that occasionally puts a wide grin on your face (Lamborghini libido, straight-jacket tuxedo, the condom that fit like a glove, beats all I ever saw, hell there ought to be a law, let’s lobby to legislate love). Highlights include “Lovely,” an unadorned acoustic love song and “May I Believe”, a lovely ballad. There are several instrumental interludes highlighting Sheehan’s acoustic guitar playing although “up out together glide two three/remoulade, a “funky” instrumental with wah wah electric guitar pales beside the acoustic numbers, disturbing the mood of the album. One in particular, “November” is a wonderfully chilled piece utilising the glacial qualities of a slowly picked banjo. Overall a nice album that doesn’t have a killer touch but well worth checking out if you like that slightly mysterious cloud swirled rain soaked sitting around the stove type picking and singing.

Date review added:  Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Reviewer:  Paul Kerr
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Related web link:  artist site