Little-known singer-songwriter delivers a high-quality album.
Things to know about Sam Moss. He is a singer-songwriter, originally from New England but now based in Virginia. He is also a woodworker, and a visit to his website affords the opportunity to purchase hand-crafted furniture and, with a section all to itself, spoons. Lots of them. This is an artist who clearly eschews a rock and roll lifestyle and, browsing the website, it is hard to determine which of his crafts, music or wood, is the driving force behind Sam Moss.
Irrespective of the woodwork, ‘Swimming’ is an album that ably demonstrates how not all things in life are equal and that some of the lucky ones of us are blessed with more than one talent. For this is an album that oozes class and is never less than a joy to the ears. It is quite a mellow and chilled affair for the most part and, for those seeking a quick peek into what the album promises then look no further than opening track ‘Enough’. There are three instant hits here: clever finger-picking acoustic guitar, mournful violin accompaniment and the warmth and richness of Moss’s vocals. It is an opening track of the highest order with the subsequent title track just as memorable.
The core group for this recording session was assembled specifically for it and was composed of people Moss had never played music with before; Isa Burke, Sinclair Palmer, and Joe Westerlund. They have created a wonderful sound here and the multi-instrumentalist Burke stands out, not just for her sublime violin that meanders in and out of many of the tracks, but also for her gorgeous harmony vocals on ‘Wire’, another of the album’s highlights.
Moss cites Molly Sarlé as one of his all-time favourite vocalists and Sarlé it is who was employed at a later stage in the proceedings to add her harmonies on a number of these songs. If it was to add a final flourish and finishing touch to what had already been laid down then it was a genius move as they act as a perfect compliment to Moss’s emotive vocal. Examples abound but ‘Answer’ is as fine a case as any of where this combination works an absolute treat.
Sam Moss is not a household name by any means and this is an album that is likely to pass under many a radar but this is a fine album that warrants attention.