 On
his third release, Reunion Hill, Shindell’s warm tenor (which calls to mind
Michael Stipe) delivers poetic songs that thrive on lush melodies and sparse
instrumentation. A former theology student, Shindell has developed into the rare
singer/songwriter who wraps strangely reminiscent melodies around simple stories, while
maintaining a secure sense of originality across every track. While Shindell’s
writing shines through, he is only one of a cast of characters that makes Reunion Hill
such a special record. First and foremost, producer/guitar genius Larry Campbell creates a
small universe that swells with sound. Secondly, harmony vocals by Lucy Kaplansky and
Teresa Williams mesh perfectly with Shindell to deliver a transcendent sound, while the
rhythm section of Radoslav Lorkovic (keyboards), Dave Richard (bass), and Frank Vilardi
(drums) coax every song along without stomping over the serenity of Reunion Hill.
Across nine originals as well as covers by Townes Van Zandt ("I’ll Be Here in
the Morning") and Merle Haggard ("Sing Me Back Home"), Reunion Hill
beams like an autumn afternoon when cold air overtakes the last remnants of summer, yet
the sun still warms the skin. It is comforting music.Richard Shindell appears at THE WIRE,
216 Fourth Street, New Cumberland, PA • 774-0678
Thuraday, January 28th, 8 P.M.,
Tickets $12, call for more information. |
