Tai Shan – Wildflower Moon
This has a cool opening tune with banjo & steady drum beat with colorful vocals by the Nashville-based Tai Shan. There’s nothing laid back or lo-fi in this music. It’s not necessarily country or folk though it has viable pop ingredients. I like this band that backs Ms. Shan because they’re not playing it straight, they add lots of clever instrumental thrust & Tai is wonderfully engaged on “Road Back To Me.”
The 9-track Wildflower Moon (Drops Aug 23/Independent) with 3 cuts produced by Brandon Bee & 4 by Neilson Hubbard (drums) captures Ms. Shan’s appealing vocals that successfully maintain a good mood-inspiring set. “The Station,” is a beauty & “Jump On In,” is a glorious rocker that’s impressive. Tai knows exactly what words in her lyrics require embellishment & intonation.
Her musicians, like the Elvis Presley band, know which notes to punch between her vocals. Quite excellent. Tai infuses her showcase in such a tidy manner that she comes across like a seasoned entertainer, as well & you can hear in her voice the enthusiasm & how fully fueled her showcase is. There are suggestions of Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship) & then with a song like “Simple Things” & the finale “Sailing Into the Sunset,” Tai goes Broadway-cabaret in high fashion. It’s obvious if all else fails Tai could be an easy listening-jazz singer in any nightclub or festival.
The album explores Tai’s journey through motherhood, some self-discovery & tales & experiences that are deeply personal (that concept was once referred to as a confessional songwriter). “How It Flew (The Kite Song),” is sung intelligently & poetically in a Sarah McLachlan style. Soft breath, no showboating, a little breathy — but intensely beautiful.
Highlights – “Road Back To Me,” “My Station,” “Jump On In,” “Simple Things,” “How It Flew (The Kite Song)” & “Sailing Into the Sunset.”
Musicians – Danny Mitchell (piano/flugelhorn), Juan Solorzano & Tai (guitars), Lex Price (bass) & Austin Garrison (bgv).
CD cover photo courtesy of Daniel Shippey & color portrait courtesy of Kimberly Loomis. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.taishanmusic.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Song Premiere: Tai Shan Wheels and Gasoline