Check out the new single from Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Joshua Espinosa. ‘Me or the Whiskey’ opens with delicate guitar and Espinosa’s wonderfully warm, welcoming voice and the melody that unfolds is timeless. With harmonising support from Sarah Morris, the vocal performance is at the heart of the song – intimate and confessional, it remains with you once the song is over. Morris also possesses a gorgeous singing voice that reinforces and combines with Espinosa’s beautifully and, together, they draw attention to the heartfelt lyrics. Halfway through, Espinosa delivers an engaging, tuneful solo on the acoustic guitar, framing his words with excellent musicianship.
This single is from Espinosa’s debut album “Americaña”, which blends a range of American genres, from bluegrass to 1970s heartland rock, via blues and even alternative sounds from the ’90s. That range of influences is one of the strengths of “Americaña”, an album guided by craft and quality. A group of talented players add interesting instrumental textures to the album versions of the songs, including Tommy Barbarella on Wurlitzer and Hammond B3, Ken Wilson on pedal steel, Paul Odegaard on trumpet and David Budimir on tuba and trombone. Produced by Kevin Bowe, himself an accomplished songwriter involved in platinum-selling and GRAMMY-winning records, the album addresses life and relationships, covering universal themes from guilt and regret to growing older.
