What’s in a band name? Most give a small taste of what an act might sound like, but the best leave things open to conjecture and intrigue. Such is the case with Folding Mr. Lincoln. The name allows husband and wife team, Harry and Nancy Mestyanek to escape pre-conceived notions about their sound.
Using Americana as a base, the duo cast a wide net for this debut album. Within its fourteen tunes, this disc manages to take in sweet jangly pop, banjo driven folk, and Hammond drenched, country tinged, rock amongst its pleasures.
The pair have been making music together since 1973 and it shows, both in their vocals as well as their love of melody. It’s in the details, whether you consider the wonderfully arranged harmonies or the virtuoso performances from both the Mestyaneks and their superb group of all-star musical guests; it’s clear that these tunes come from a gathering of musicians who truly love their craft.
As strong a debut album as you are likely to hear, this is heartfelt music at its best, with numerous songs that would make worthy singles – and several that deserve to become standards.
-Bart Mendoza
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