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review by Bill Binkelman On his second release as the "Candlelight Guitarist," Bradley Powell veers away from the new age sound of his previous CD, Music for Rest and Renewal and shuffles over to more of an adult contemporary/smooth jazz vibe. This is not necessarily a bad thing, although I admit to being fonder of his earlier style. However, Powell retained his accessible and "friendly" compositional approach, so this is still an album that goes down nice and easy. He also shares the spotlight with more accompanists this time on instruments such as string bass, drums, percussion, assorted wind instruments (flutes, clarinet, French horns) and keyboards. As a result, Soul Mates and Kindred Spirits is frequently "fuller" sounding, even thought the music is still fairly low key. An example of this is "Gift of the Heart" which features strings in addition to some of the instruments mentioned above, as well as some nature sound recordings (which were a prominent feature of his previous recording and are here relegated to a much less dominant role). One change in mood and tone between the recordings can be heard on "Found A New World In A Friend" which features a breezy jazziness and gentle swinging interplay between Powell's guitar and keyboards, drums and percussion (Powell displays some extra-solid fingering work on this track). The song hits the right note that lies between smooth jazz and new acoustic instrumental music in a Tingstad and Rumbel vein. Yet another new wrinkle offered up on this CD is the infusion of subtle world beat textures, such as the spice added to "Wild Ponies," portrayed through the hand percussion rhythms and a dash of bossa nova-like playing by Powell himself. Powell also comfortably shifts gears, quieting down to a sound closer to that of his previous CD on "Listening" which blends multi-tracked acoustic guitars with mild synthesizer washes and slow tempo percussion. Other selections offer still more marked departures for Powell, such as the light (as opposed to smooth) jazz of "The Buddy System." Once I got over the shock of hearing Powell play "Wes Montgomery style," accompanied by Herbie Mann-like flute, brush and cymbal drum work and toe-tapping upright bass, I appreciated the unforced way these artists played together. Powell even tries his hand at a laid-back down home bluesy number on "Two Pairs of Old Soft Shoes" which he carries off surprisingly well. On "Our Share of Craziness" Mark Massey's Fender Rhodes piano injects some jazzy funk into the album. I had to overcome my expectations (i.e. hope) for a repeat of Songs for Rest and Renewal (an album I fell in love with immediately) before I recognized and acknowledged the care and talent that went into Soul Mates and Kindred Spirits. After several playings, I now enjoy Powell's efforts to branch out into other genres with no small amount of success. Besides, in hindsight, the track-to-track transitions are never too jarring or disquieting. Taken as a whole, the album is an engaging collection of instrumental tunes, led by one of the better acoustic guitarists out there. Kudos to Bradley Powell for refusing to be pigeon-holed. Recommended. |
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