Wind
and
Wire
Leaving Footprints is the eponymous-titled debut (as a duo) of Jim Savitt (guitars, keyboards, hand percussion, flutes, trumpet, drum programming) and Rob Rolling (guitars, bass) and it is a wonderful recording. Calling to mind a blend of the easy-going new age stylings of Bruce BecVar with the polished accessible adult contemporary music of Jamie Bonk, Leaving Footprints charmed me with its breezy and catchy melodies, well-integrated and expertly performed percussion, and subtle yet unmistakable variety among the twelve tracks. Some cuts also feature a small amount of nature sounds in amongst the music, but in all honesty, they're fairly unobtrusive and people who do not like hearing birdsong, waves, or what have you will probably not mind the gentle intrusion. However, fans of nature sounds (like myself) will appreciate the added dimension they bring to the songs. There are also some mild Native American textures scattered among a few tracks. What I admired most about Leaving Footprints was the excellent mixing/production, which allows the guitars, percussion, and keyboards to all be heard with crystal clarity, while still retaining a lot of warmth and naturalness to the music. The music itself is mostly relaxing fare, yet certainly not ambient, overtly new agey, or slick instrumental pop. If you liked BecVar's Forever Blue Sky or Jamie Bonk's first CD, or even if Craig Chaquico's first CD is one of your favorites, this album will appeal to you (although Chaquico's music uses synths much more readily and is much more dynamic in nature - Leaving Footprints is a more leisurely-paced sonic trip). Picking favorite tracks for me would be difficult. "Paradise Valley" (the opener) begins the album on a plaintive, yet optimistic, note as waves (lapping the shore) in the background are played against softly sensuous hand percussion, acoustic guitar (with just a hint of Spanish spice), and a dash of synth strings at times. The title track is more cheery and uptempo, but still maintains nothing more than a "fast-walk" pace, as piano and guitar take turns on the lead, once again featuring nicely layered percussion as accompaniment. "Cascade" adds wooden flute to the mix, and the guitar has a distinct BecVar "sparkle" to it (if you've heard earlier recordings from Bruce BecVar, it'll be hard to miss the comparison). "Forefathers" may be the most overt Native-influenced track, with mid-tempo rattles and tribal-like beats as well as some chanting (which I can take or leave, personally). "In Your Arms" is also a strong track, opening with great synth strings, a mild electronica-like beat, and a superb synth cello, before bringing in forlorn piano and sax (well-played by Lanny Ward). The greatness of this song is how non-urban it feels, despite the presence of the sax. I guess that's the root of my overall delight with Leaving Footprints. I love music that somehow conveys to a me a feeling of "up north" (being from the Midwest, it's a singular evocation). Songs like "Without You" (definite comparisons to Jamie Bonk are warranted on this one), "Rising Moon" (surprisingly uptempo, given the title, and with piano that is well-echoed for dramatic effect), and the closing "Chesapeake," (a sad bittersweet track if there ever was one) make we wish for a small cabin by a northwoods lake (with a pine forest behind it, of course). For me, acoustic guitar music always carries a "back-to-nature" element to it, especially in an ensemble setting like this. However, don't expect to catch any English folk/Irish/early music influences that you'd doubtless hear in the music of (for example) Tingstad and Rumbel. Leaving Footprints may evoke rural impressions but it's solidly contemporary in its approach (which, for me, makes it even more appealing). The synths seldom dominate, but they're there and color the music with just enough texture to flesh out the arrangements nicely. Jim Savitt already is known for his smooth jazz music (which I have not heard), but I hope that he and Rob Rolling continue to walk this particular path. Leaving Footprints is a near perfect example of guitar-based contemporary instrumental music that is immensely accessible yet also rich in nuance and emotionally sincere. Highly recommended! review by Bill Binkelman |