San Francisco based singer-songwriter Stephen Cogswell – formerly of the wildly eclectic Your Mama’s Mama’s Mama’s Band (a.k.a. YoMa) – recently released his long-awaited debut solo album, Floating. After previously collaborating within a band setting, Cogswell set out on his own to shine the spotlight on his own set of songs. Each song has been carefully crafted from the bottom up with extra care put into each meaningful lyric, memorable melody and ornamental instrumental choice. Much like his previously band the music is a dynamic melting pot of musical styles and genres with elements of everything from bluegrass, jazz, hip-hop, rock and reggae, though the unifying lyrical touchstone of love binds the songs together into a cohesive whole. In the studio, Cogswell was assisted by many great Bay Area musicians who helped to shape his singular musical vision. Of note, pianist Trevor Garrod of jam band Tea Leaf Green played a baby grand that was once owned by the legendary Frank Sinatra and a host of other guest including members of ALO contributed. The album was recorded and co-produced by Cogswell and engineer extraordinaire Nathan Winter (Train, Sun Kil Moon, Bob Mould) at the legendary Hyde St. studios where the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane recorded in the 60’s.
The album opens with the rollicking countrified Bluegrass-leaning tune “Whale Song” with its dust-shuffling rhythm, twangy dobro, and jumpy, saloon-worthy piano riffs. The fun, catchy melodies recall the Barenaked Ladies. “Sweet And Wonderful” follows with an aptly-sweet sentiment and some bright, lively bursts of horns that seem to reference both Stax and Ska all at once. Showcasing the depths of his influence and songwriting ability, standout track “The One” features an impressive rap verse from JBrave, an MC from the LA-based band the Luminaries and boasts an uplifting and infectiously catchy sing-along chorus. As a change of pace, the ballad-esque “Teeter”, allows Cogswell to croon with his smooth and able voice alongside swaying melodies and laid-back jazz-inspired instrumentation. Along the same vein, the piano-led “Borrowed” sounds like Randy Newman and the song has a sort of 70’s singer-songwriter nostalgia that the song could easily be the soundtrack to a movie or a TV show.
Another standout, “Thoughts Unsaid” is highlighted by the pretty interplay between piano and flute and also features a jazzy upright bass groove and some fluid fretwork that recalls Phish. The Gospel-inflected and soul-soaked track, “How Beautiful” marries bright horn melodies and rafters-reaching vintage organ along with an almost beach-y rhythm for another track that seems poised to dominate the radio. Fellow San Francisco native, singer Pamela Parker contributes her beautiful voice to the song as well. Next, “Waiting In Divine” is upbeat and soulful with male/female vocals and a start/stop rhythm. The sultry jazz of “Moonlight And Candle” is a gorgeous duet with Cogswell’s former bandmate in YOMA, Jenny Simon, who provides her pretty and powerful voice which perfectly complements Stephen’s smooth style. Another guest, Dan Lebowitz of ALO, adds his wispy pedal steel to “Rest In Your Fields” to give it a breezy classic country & western vibe alongside the honky-tonk piano fills and steady acoustic guitar strumming. The eleven-track album closes out on a high note with the upbeat and joyous “Distance” which features clicky percussion and more jubilant Motown-inspired horns but stands out with the addition of the beautiful melodies provided by the ancient harp-like instrument, the Kona, which was expertly played by Sengal-based Kona player Karamo Cissokho.
With Floating – his very promising debut solo album – Stephen Cogswell has crafted an uplifting, inspiring and eclectic collection of modern pop songs that come fully formed and radio-ready.
Reviewed by: Justin Kreitzer
Rating 4 out of 5 stars