Reid Andrés In Good Company
Reid Andrés has just quietly released a new album of rich textured sounds in 8 songs produced by Ben Zwerin. The record features a host of talented musicians many of whom are eminent Hudson Valley players, as the album is aptly named In Good Company. The songs are rootsy rock crossovers with traditional folk, with moments of joy and moments of nostalgia as all along the journey. You can be in good company at any point, as the title suggests: with good friends, among good folks along the way who are kind strangers, during challenges, and at home anchoring the security of your return. The band for In Good Company includes heavy hitters who’ve played with Bonnie Raitt, Levon Helm, Hiss Golden Messenger, Amos Lee, Tracy Chapman, Steely Dan and more.
“Government Pigeon” sets the stage with an uptempo hoedown pace, layered instruments with bits of freight train harmonica popping in a unique song about an odd bird who might be undercover in surprise: “That strange bird is just a little suspicious. / He might be a government pigeon. / Can you see it in his eyes, and nervous little grin? He sure walks a lot, for someone with wings. / Up on a wire a surveillance drone – the bird ain’t real, he’s remote controlled.” You’re feeling a bit out of place in a park and things feel a little off somehow, but there’s a dose of humor.
On the title track, Adam Levy (Tracy Chapman) joins in the guitar work to put the listener at ease immediately with easy grooves and nostalgia for good friends, old friends who know you so well, even after some time has passed and folks have drifted apart and away: “So, ‘Hit me, hit me up. / Call me, call my name,’ Cause you’re the only ones who know, just where I’ve been.” You can feel the summer breezes as it conjures up memories of hometown and a feeling of belonging.
Next up is a version of John Fogerty’s “Bad Moon Rising” which is done just the way covers should be – with enough freshness to let the song be reimagined, while also keeping the original intent of the song. In this case, the slow driving acoustic guitar is a more reflective version of the song than the original CCR band version, with gentle jams that pick up and carry the song home with the energy it requires. There’s a storm brewing, but it’ll turn out all right.
“Illusion Man” was co-written with Ben Zwerin and is a bit darker and heavier and the declaration: “never again will I let a fool tell me how to be used by him, how to fit into his scheme.” It’s a moment of resolve and to trust your gut and be stronger, with electric guitars and a steady pulsing rhythm. Later on “Birds and Feathers” there’s lovely pedal steel and Reid sings in a mellow fluid style that’s comforting: “Blackbirds in the wind, send a morse code message, when I’m flying back, to see you again. / Three ellipses on a screen, what are you going to say the morning, I’m flying back to see you again?” It’s a message of the relief of returning home, and Reid’s songwriting succeeds in connecting the lyrical intentions with the music.
This album is solid songsmanship, with talented musicians playing in rich layers that result in songs that are little gifts to the listener. Reid shares songs about traveling, feeling a touch of alienation, returning home, the true nostalgia of reminiscing with the foundation of old friends, kicking up your heels and dance numbers, and all along, being in good company. Find more information here on his website: https://reidandres.com
In Good Company was produced by Ben Zwerin, recorded at Zwerin Studios, mixed by Eber Pinheiro, and mastered by Alex Psaroudakis. The cover art illustration was by Phil Blank and the photo was by Bill Wadman.
Musicians on the album are Reid Andrés on vocals, acoustic guitar and percussion; Noe Socha on electric guitar and harmonica; Lee Falco (Amos Lee) on drums; Sara Milonovich on background vocals; Adam Levy (Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman) on electric guitar; Yuval Lion on drums; Connor Kennedy (Steely Dan) on electric guitar; Glenn Patscha (Bonnie Raitt) on electric keyboard and piano; Rich Hinman (Hiss Golden Messenger) on pedal steel; Daniel Blume on mandolin and electric guitar; Brian Mitchell (Levon Helm) on accordion; and Ben Zwerin on bass and all other instruments.
