IndiePulse Music Reviews latest CD by JANGLING SPARROWS – “BOOTSTRAPS AND OTHER AMERICAN FABLES”

Jangling Sparrows Release “Bootstraps And Other American Fables” Follow-Up To Their Critically-Acclaimed Album, 140 Nickels

Jangling Sparrows release “Bootstraps And Other American Fables,” the follow-up to 2017’s critically-acclaimed 140 Nickels, the album was released this past January.

“Bootstraps… is a wall of sound rock and roll record designed to be your companion through trouble and triumph,” says Paul Edelman, singer, songwriter, guitarist, poet and performer who fronts the Asheville, North Carolina-based group. “The album is book-ended by two songs about struggle and understanding. In between are stories and characters that personify the American landscape and condition – the painful, the ridiculous, the confusing, the frustrating, the crazy, the strong and the insecure. it’s all here, large and loud to match the big American rock and roll heart.” Jangling Sparrows are Louis Stein (bass), Joe Grey (drums), and Paul Edelman (guitar/vocals). Bootstraps… was produced, recorded and engineered by Amos McGregor at Marshall Sound Studio in Marshall, North Carolina, and mastered by Derek Brown.

Paul Edelman can be found sitting comfortably in Roots Rock, Country, Folk, Soul or Storyteller. His lyrics have a way of making people feel understood and his emotional vocal delivery underscores that ability. Edgy and misty, his vocals often go from a holler to a whisper seamlessly and with crisp intention. He has been compared to John Prine, Townes Van Zandt and Jay Farrar for his ability not just to create a picture with words but a whole movie with the music.

In our review we found “Bootstraps And Other American Fables” to be a remarkable collection of visionary tracks, touching upon the emotions, hopes and dreams of those that  listen. Paul Edelman has an amazing way of making words into magnifying glasses, taking everything around them into perspective, focusing on every detail, fining new discoveries while establishing his music as soundscape to live by.

“BOOTSTRAPS AND OTHER AMERICAN FABLES” is a collection of 11 magical songs that cover a wide and wonderful range of topics, one track that, to me really stands out is “Hey! Hey! Harriet Tubman”, now, one would think a song bout a historical freedom fighter would be somewhat morose or dull, dark or sad.. just the contrary, I found it bright, uplifting and highly respectful, and it also embarks thoughts on what is going on in the world today. In remarks, Paul Edelman said “When it comes to bad-ass historical figures, it’s hard to top Harriet Tubman. Born into slavery, she escaped to help some 300 slaves to freedom via the underground railroad. The upbeat feel and lyrics of the song are meant to recall the spirit of a rallying cry, and be an admonishment of much of modern culture. It isn’t so much about her as it is talking to her.”

Once again, I must give full props and a continually growing respect to an artist that looks to his natural gift as a way to give the purist expression of his love for life and his spark of humanity.

Go to his Webpage http://janglingsparrows.com and follow him on Facebook