Broken Places
by: Honey Blue
(Paper Boat Music)
Broken Places counts as Honey Blue’s debut release. This young group from Saint Simons Island promises vast musical horizons on these seven songs recorded in the fall of 2010 at Rockstudio in Brunswick, Georgia.
Honey Blue includes Jared Kuykendall (vocals & acoustic guitar), Ashley Henry (vocals & washboard), Marc Andress (pedal steel) and Preacher Brian Chappell on bass. Since completing Broken Places, Honey Blue wrote a new batch of songs they plan to record in the spring.
Strength exists in the minimal sound of Broken Places. Kuykendall’s “A Town Not Even” opens the CD and serves as one of this collection’s strongest tunes. The acoustic guitar, bass and pedal steel weave a harmonious glow around the lyrics. “Just Before She Goes”, a Kuykendall/Andress composition, evokes musical images of jukeboxes playing sad country songs in a smoky cantina, tequila sunrises and curtain call farewells.
“Easy To Forget” retains a acoustic-country foundation that verifies the band’s intent on making honest music. “Johnson Cemetery” features the violin work of Ellen Kildegaard, which contributes a haunting quality to the track. Another strength of Honey Blue exists in their strong live performances that allow the songs space to breathe.
“Waiting For It To Pour” travels into musical territories of Neil Young’s Harvest or his quieter acoustic material. “Sweet & Broken” calls to mind the Flying Burrito Brothers or Buffalo Springfield. “It’s Only a Matter of Time”, written by Kuykendall and Henry, closes Broken Places. This number ranks as one of the group’s best, and showcases the beautiful voice of Ashley Henry in a timeless duet.
The ascent of Honey Blue begins with Broken Places…
James Calemine
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