River

Every major record released by Daniel Bachman has rightly been greeted by critical acclaim. Starting with 2012's Seven Pines and running through 2014's Orange Co. Seranade, each album has been lauded as his best release to date. Simply stated, River is Bachman's best album. Unconventionally, it opens with the breathtaking and robust fourteen minute epic "Won't You Cross Over To That Other Shore." Proving his ability to write music that keeps the listener engaged (even across such a long tune), Bachman successfully uses tempo changes, varied picking patterns and melodic exploration, all without ever getting lost in pointless improvisation too far from the overall theme. Bachman has always been quick to have his music serve as a homage to his musical and geographical roots in Virginia. River is no exception. Here he tips his hat to Jack Rose ("Levee") and William Moore ("Old Country Rock") through his interpretations of their songs. Bachman's playing and flourishes on these tracks simultaneously acknowledge the influence each of these men has on his development and style. His love for old American music and deft skill at adapting traditional tunes allows listeners of all levels of sophistication to feel welcome at his musical table. Whether one is newly discovering the world of American primitivism, or is already deeply into the experimental world, Bachman's playing draws the listener in and takes them places.