Sean Coleman Project Apropos of Nothing
The Sean Coleman Project put out a new album of gritty, from the gut, classic rock and spiritually infused songs, Apropos of Nothing this week. The songs are bluesy and electric but can also bring things down to hushed acoustic guitars or piano, as in the album closer, which is an intimate contemporary songwriter style “lounge song” number. The songs also feature thrilling vocal harmonies, spiritually uplifting vocals and messages of Christianity, such as needing to pray and calling on the lord. Vocalists trade off, and a look at the musicians list gives you a feel for the musical richness this album embodies. The songs cover very human emotions and overall, take together, ask us to focus on our commonalities.
The album opens with “You’ve Got To Choose” with keys and a heavy rhythm and a very bluesy swagger “they say that you’re cheating, it’s all over town….you’ve got to choose.” Classic heartache. “Who Am I” keeps the energy moving, “I’m running from the past” and there are christian religious overtones, with the Promised land and a prayer to the Lord to meet you where you are.
“Might Just Be By Day” features rich vocal harmonizing and the optimistic: “the open road is an open door that’s going to lead us anywhere. All my life I’ve been waiting for good things to come my way…” The vibe here is close to the Eagles on “Take It Easy,” while also not really sounding “like” the Eagles. Listen to see what I mean. “Jumping at the Chance” takes a bluesy /jazzy turn with horns and strong piano to punctuate the thrill of the prospect of “jumping at the chance to get next to you.”
“Pray For Me” is a call to be prayed for and carried, because “lately I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” It’s a relatable song for those times you just don’t feel very strong. “A Glimpse of Heaven” is a very pretty instrumental, with acoustic guitars dusting and playing melodies together.
The album closes with “Pray For Me (Acoustic Version).” This version of the song is stripped down and vocal and piano centric, as it calls for community and support from outside yourself when it’s needed: “I can’t do this for myself, so take my hand and pray for me.” Amen, and a perfect album closer.
The Sean Coleman Project is versatile and entertaining and should have widespread appeal. The rising swells in both the vocal and musical arrangements maintain a spiritual and uplifting feel, with a classic rock inspired, bluesy and often piano-based context. Check them out on their website: https://www.seancolemanproject.com
Apropos of Nothing was produced by Sean McLaughlin and recorded at 37′ Productions in Rockland, MA. It was mastered by Jeff Lipton at Peerless Mastering with assistant mastering engineer Costanza Tinti. The press photo was by Lisa Czech and album artwork photo was by Steph Larsen.
Musicians on the album are Mia Boostrom on vocals and background vocals; Andrew Gravel on guitar; Bill Danylik on lead guitar and guitar; Sam Crawford on guitar; Sean Coleman on guitar and background vocals; Sean McLaughlin on bass; Brad Goff on keyboards; Mike Levesque on drums; Elisa Smith on vocals and background vocals; Cody Nilsen on guitar and pedal steel; Brad Goff on lead vocals, background vocals, piano, and keyboards; Jose Delgado, Laura Intravia, Ashley Gryta, Evan Walsh, Laurie Ellington, John Nielson, Amy Nielson and David Scott on background vocals; Jim Gambino on keyboards; Garret Savluk on trumpet; Lennie Peterson on trombone; John Vanderpool on saxophone; Dan Felix on saxophone; Daniel Tavani on cello; Eva Walsh on violin and viola; Rich Hinman on guitar and pedal steel; Eva Walsh on violin.