By Joe Ross
Singer/songwriters Dave McGraw and Mandy Fer have a knack for capturing the passionate beauty of original contemporary folk music. Evoking tranquility and reflection, their frank lyrics and life-affirming tales are woven around melodic lines that hold the fabric together.
The set alternates with McGraw and Fer compositions, and this debut collaboration is a perfect showcase for their impressionistic songs. The watercolor that graces the album’s cover and jacket was drawn by 8-year-old Zia Kypta-Keith and was inspired by the song “Seed of a Pine. We also hear several references to colors in the stories they tell – purple sage, golden grey, angels dressed in blue, forests blooming green, streets painted in gold.
Fer’s “Forget the Diamonds” reminds us that “behind the curtain there are colors you won’t believe exist.” McGraw’s “Comin’ Down” tells us “that dusk in mountain colors fades from blue to red to black, you glance over your sore shoulder, it’s too dark now to turn back.” While their music emphasizes earth tones, they also occasionally evoke dreamlike pictures with vibrant colors and shades.
Both are guitarists, and Fer also lays piano, Wurlitzer, bells and tambourine into the mix on a few pieces. Instrumental support comes from Andrew Lauher (drums), Christopher Merrill (bass), Allison Russell (banjo), Nora Barton (cello), Peter Mulvey (electric guitar on one cut), Jared Rabin (violin), and Benny Sidelinger (Dobro). Russell, Mulvey and Jeremy “JT Nero” Lindsay also provide some vocal harmonies on a few cuts.
And “So Comes the Day” with this touching music, and like the monsoons that “turn everything green from dusty dirt brown,” McGraw and Fer paint their canvas with multi-hued images. May their music be heard.