Album Notes

How does one both cross generational paths and at the same time challenge individual musical influences and preferences to create a common sound? That is precisely what lyricist Chelsea Childers and composer/producer James Vesce have accomplished with their debut album Traveling Hearts. Self-described as “a mix of Sheryl, Jewel, Alanis”, Childers, a talented singer/songwriter in her own right meets Vesce, a composer, arranger and producer influenced by such disparate elements as 70’s folk/rock, musical theater, and progressive jazz to form an intriguing partnership of contemporary folk, folk/rock, and acoustic songs and melodies. The duo then turned loose a dozen musicians representing a myriad of generational and stylistic boundaries to create The Chelsea Childers Project, and the result is a collection of straightforward and evocative tunes about love, loss, and longing. The collaboration would not be complete without the contribution of David Cardenas, a talented songwriter and musician himself who adds both sentiment and depth to the already layered palette of songs in this collection. And, one cannot avoid mention of the pure and honest vocal shadings of Caroline Clifton, who flows seamlessly above and through the instrumentation and musical arrangements, crafted cleverly and thoughtfully by Vesce.

The songs on this CD flow effortlessly from one track to the next. For anyone interested in the folk and folk/rock vibe of the 70’s and its revival in contemporary acoustic music, this eclectic and engaging album is for you. As Vesce notes, “All we really wanted to do was make some honest music about the things that are important to us”. That they have done.