Joselyn & Don – Lost and Found Highway
While there’s a definite ‘60s folky thread that runs through this album, no denying Joselyn & Don have a distinctive, stylistic approach to their work as well. Their songs are melodically spiffy, subtle, & not commercialized. There are tunes that are typical, & not innovative in any way, but many tell good stories.
Joselyn’s folk-rich lead vocals on “Choose Love” find an expressive contrast between her voice & Chris Pierce’s soulful vocal precision & bluesy harmonica essence. Invigorating. This is a mix of musical styles & it works. The message itself is optimistic despite some lines that may be questionable to some. The music is good & the effort seems sincere.
The Montana-raised, Los Angeles-based duo created a 3rd studio album Lost and Found Highway (Drops Oct 3/Paintbrush Records/34:34), recorded in L.A. & produced by Graham Richman (string arrangement/keys/modular synth) & Don Barrozo (acoustic & electric guitars/horns/harmony/organ).
At times, the sound slides into the Laurel Canyon era. But the nostalgia is at a minimum since there are elements of alt-country, blues & soul that are not indicative of Laurel Canyon songwriting. “What Are We Doing Here?” is the jewel. Good lyrics, steady melody & wonderful playing. Joselyn’s voice has a few effect treatments on it, but it doesn’t compromise her tone & range. She has good timbre & soulfulness on this track.
Getting folkier with a Mamas & Papas purity is “Workin’ the Hi-line,” that’s soaked in the ‘60s poetic folk tradition that stretches all the way back to the Rooftop Singer’s “Walk Right In.” It’s an excellent song & not too preachy. The themes on the album range widely, but I guess the main aim is wondering what’s outside that car window as you speed by many different people, towns, prairies & buildings. The title track “Lost & Found Highway” has a ‘40s swing curve that adds nostalgia to the tune, or hints that every day we create our own nostalgia, not realizing it.
The closer “Rock and Roll Heart” is pleasant enough, but veers into a slippery novelty lane, which doesn’t add value. However, the song does not diminish the album. Joselyn & Don have a wonderfully expressive showcase, & it should be enjoyed.
Highlights – “Right on Through,” “Golden Hill,” “Choose Love,” “What Are We Doing Here,” “Workin’ the Hi-line,” &“Lost & Found Highway.”
Musicians – Joselyn (tenor ukulele), Abby Posner (harmony/lead guitar/claps), Cristina Vane, Bridget Graham & Liz Irons (harmony vocals), Bob Glaub (electric bass), Mauricio Lewak (drums/percussion), Greg Leisz (pedal steel), & Tom Freund (upright bass) with Mica Nafshun-Bone (fiddle/violin), Donovan Duvall (keys), Daniel Kleederman (electric guitar), Kate Brown (violin), Jason Polychronakos (viola), Judah Groveman (cello) & Kevin Smith (sound design).
Cover image courtesy of Marybeth Fama & Francisco Letelier. CD @ Bandcamp & https://joselynwilkinson.com/album/3546230/lost-found-highway
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Song Premiere: Joselyn and Don “Girl from the Mountain”