Through These Trees
Three and a half years ago, my daughter Mei Lin invited two of her musician friends – Kyle Ledson & Django Ruckrich – to join her for a mini-set performance in our garage. This performance was live-streamed around the world as a part of The California Bluegrass Association’s “Jam-a-Thon” event during the heart of the COVID pandemic. I could have never guessed at the time what would emerge from that musical meeting!
Broken Compass Bluegrass has evolved into a creative entity which is much greater than the sum of their parts! Last May, they released their second studio album, “Through These Trees”. As I have spent time listening to the album, I have been so moved by the level of artistry and vision expressed.
The album was produced by the band. Mei Lin, Django, and Kyle have all contributed original compositions to the project, and the album was entirely mixed and mastered by the group’s bassist Sam Jacobs.
“Through These Trees” is significantly shorter than the band’s first album “Fools Gold” (also an excellent release!), but the range of themes, musical statements, and emotional complexity come together to make such a cohesive statement.
The albums starts off with Kyle’s “Alien Song” which very well may be the only bluegrass song written about an alien encounter ever! But it’s also here that the theme of nature and trees relating to the album title is first introduced – “Something hiding in the mountains, holding stiller than the lonesome breeze. Only to fly like dust in the light over unsuspecting trees.” About half way through the song, the straight up bluegrass groove gives way to a wonderfully tripped out jam. I really love the way that the mandolin and guitar move around in the headspace of the stereo spectrum. If you haven’t yet checked out this tune with headphones, I highly recommend it.
Mei Lin’s “Fairies & Lightning” blends effortlessly into the end of Alien Song. Big kiddos to Sam’s artful mixing!! This song was inspired in part by a fairy based video game, but it expresses a complex emotional place where “fears, joys, and laughter” all coexist in the same moment. The feelings of being intrigued and scared by something new – all at the same time. The middle section of the song breaks into a vaguely Spanish sounding section evoking a dreamlike feeling with some musical moments that sound a bit like someone threw The Gypsy Kings, The Del McCoury Band and the Grateful Dead into a blender. Just my kinda vibe! I also love the little mini fiddle tune that comes in at the end of the chorus. There is so much packed into this 5 minute tune!
Django’s “Steel & Rust” is another album highlight. This song reflects on one’s past.. especially regrets, but also is filled with hope. It is a song about growing up – “I never used to worry things would change, ’til I couldn’t be the dreams of my younger age.” The song is full of ocean imagery and is the first song on the album that doesn’t reference trees. The chorus is absolutely beautiful and really highlights the band’s wonderful vocal harmonies. It is the most anthemic song on the album.
Folks who have seen the band live know what great pickers and singers they are and witness their wonderful musical chemistry. In listening deeply to the songs on this album, I am so incredibly impressed by what great lyricists Mei Lin, Kyle and Django are! This is an under appreciated aspect of the band IMO!
Of course I am biased… But Damn!! What a great record! I could not recommend it more highly!!
https://www.brokencompassbluegrass.com/through-these-trees