Golden Roots

Katie Lloyd-Nunn reviews Golden Roots, a new album from Shelley Rider and Pete Ways

Shelley Rider’s wholehearted poems on life, the nature of love and love of nature in all its moods work well as songs. Just occasionally, the rhymes might seem slightly contrived, but generally the catchy melodies and robust rhythms successfully carry each track.

Peter Ways has given the collection cohesion through his unique, authentic vocal style and the upbeat, almost poppy musical structures. The CD has an unfussy, almost “live” feeling, not slick or over produced. At the same time it includes elegant arrangements with string and piano.

Heartache is here in “Impossible” and spiritual wisdom makes “Ebb and Flow” and “In this Moment” shine. The album concludes with irrepressible optimism in “In Abundance.”

It took me a couple of listens to get into the zone of the CD but once it became familiar I looked forward to each track and often found myself singing snatches of tunes unexpectedly during the day.

I feel Peter Ways treated Shelley’s words with utmost respect and creativity, helping them become original and thought-provoking lyrics. Both artists should be very proud of the result.

Golden Roots can be found online at Bandcamp.com Golden Roots by Shelley Rider & Pete Ways.  The tracks can be listened to and the album downloaded. 

The CD is available from Shelley.rider0@icloud.com .  Just send a message with address details Cost £10

Katie Lloyd-Nunn, Stroud

25 September 2024