Troubadour Bushell's debut a winning blend of folk, soul
LANDON BUSHELL — IN THIS MOMENT
There's something about summer that brings out the singer-songwriters. Perhaps it's the warm air that entices them to drag their acoustic guitars and harmonica holders into the sunshine to serenade the patio crowds.
Local troubadour Landon Bushell certainly fits the singer-songwriter mould: striking out on his own after playing in a band called Early Ruckus; known to perform solo with just his voice, instruments and a loop pedal; releasing an album once the snow skedaddled out of the city.
Don't let the singer-songwriter label narrow your expectations for Bushell, as he showcases a talent for many genres on his debut album In This Moment. Folky harmonica-tinged tracks (Gorgeous Everyday) are slotted next to funky, soulful Ben Harper-like jams (Love's Better) and bluesy vamps (Crutches).
In This Moment offers multiple flavours of music and in the hands of a lesser musician it would come across as scattered, but Bushell's talent is evident in his masterful grasp of the material. Every song sounds fresh and impassioned, with a strong focus on melody and craft. His vocals are reminiscent of Jack Johnson's laid-back baritone — with a bluesier bent — and given a workout on solo closer So Long.
The talent Bushell pulled in for the album keeps the music loose and elated. Kurtis Shultz did double duty as producer and drummer, Paul Steffes handles bass and lead guitar, while Bushell also roped in his mom Sonya Bushell on the flute and cousin Alison Kobelek on violin. Queen C adds a sultry counterpart to the vocals on album highlight Alive, which builds into a triumphant climax.
Bushell says he's mainly booked this summer with private gigs, but he's going to need bigger venues after more people discover the auditory delights of In This Moment.
Stream Landon Bushell's In This Moment on Spotify.
Chad Huculak
MICHAEL RAULT — MICHAEL RAULT
Most of Michael Rault's new album was written in his mom's Riverdale house where he grew up. But All Night Long, the opening track of his self-titled release sparkles like desert sand glinting in the hot sun of the Mojave Rault now calls home.
The 10 dream-pop tracks were born of a dark time littered with endings while still living in Montreal. Relationships factor largely in the lyrics, reflecting breakups and heartache as well as the swelling and soaring of new love.
Rault is the first Canadian artist to be signed by Daptone, cult-loved for their analogue commitment and soft spot for everything groovy. The recording started in the label's Brooklyn studio with Wayne Gordon (Bruno Mars) and was nearly finished when COVID sent the schedule sideways. By this point, Rault had moved in with his girlfriend, L.a.-born Pearl Charles, and was playing in her decidedly more country band. The album's finale, Inside Your Heart, is a tribute to her featuring a mash-up of twangy lead guitar over the psych shuffle.
As the pandemic ebbed and flowed, Rault evolved the project through different producers and engineers including Edmonton-born, L.a.-based Mac Demarco and Rault's home-based studio in Landers on the outskirts of Joshua Tree National Park.
Multiple studios enhanced the three-dimensional acoustics — even catchy tracks like Want For Nothing and When I'm Back in Town Again — without losing the lightness infused in the couple years they were floating around as works in progress.
While the delays weren't easy to weather, the release is perfectly aligned with the season. Neither Love Nor Money is sunny-day disco while Exactly What I Needed unsuspectingly sets flower-power wisdom sailing across sultry keys.
Michael Rault is now available, while Rault will be back in Edmonton for Purple City in August.