speed of dark

Will Stratton's debut CD, What the Night Said, released just last month, has a theme of nighttime, both as a period of reflection and peace and of regret and disquiet. But mostly, the stars are out and shining, and the atmosphere is warm. The album works nicely for any time a listener feels like music that calms and comforts.

What the Night Said is generally made up of light and gentle compositions on piano, which Stratton has played since age 5, and guitar with clear and pleasant vocals. Friends and family add subtle accompaniment to just the right depth. Nothing is overpowering or overplayed. Will's father Tim plays bass, former bandmate Jeff Wheeler plays slide, and Sam Deutsch adds violin to several songs.

To my ear, Stratton fits nicely in the same niche as Sufjan Stevens (who plays oboe on "Katydid"), Iron and Wine, Glenn Phillips, and Josh Rouse. It's important to remember when making these comparisons that Stratton is a very young musician--still in college in Tacoma, WA. These songs were written when he was just 17. This is only our first glimpse of the talent that will surely be more completely developed in future projects.

Even so, this is an impressive beginning, and even more experienced artists sometimes do not match Stratton's ability to adhere to his theme so well. Maybe these lines from "Lost the Fear" explain his choice to narrow down the scope for this set of songs and save other paths for later explorations.

There are roads all around us with so much to say
They stetch out in back like today, today
I'm tired of looking to see where they lead
I'm gonna pick one just so I can see.

On my favorite, "Night Will Come," New Jersey-raised Stratton borrows a couple of lines from a pastoral New England poet, Robert Frost (I wake up everyday/To shed my dreams and go away/'I have promises to keep/And miles to go before I sleep' again). The band sound is fullest on this track, which adds dimension and spark. I like the warmth that the handclaps bring to it as well.

The banjo on "Sunol" and "So Ashamed" is similar to Iron and Wine, and the accordion adds a smooth texture to both songs.

From What the Night Said (2007):
Will Stratton: Night Will Come
Will Stratton: Sunol

Also recommended: "Katydid," "So Ashamed,: "I'd Hate To Leave You," and "Lost the Fear."
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Upcoming Shows, check MySpace for venues:
Aug 1 2007 - Cakeshop, New York City, NY
Aug 2 2007 - New York City, NY
Aug 3 2007 - Philadelphia, PA
Aug 5 2007 - Baltimore, MD
Aug 5 2007 - The Red And The Black, Washington DC
Aug 6 2007 - Richmond, VA
Aug 7 2007 - Morgantown, WV
Aug 8 2007 - Louisville/Lexington, KY
Aug 9 2007 - Andyman's Treehouse, Columbus, OH
Aug 10 2007 - The Division Avenue Arts Cooperative, Grand Rapids, MI
Aug 11 2007 - The Firehouse, North Manchester, IN
Aug 13 2007 - Chicago, IL
Aug 14 2007 - Cleveland, OH
Aug 15 2007 - Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 16 2007 - Buffalo/Rochester, NY
Aug 17 2007 - Boston, MA
Aug 18 2007 - Burlington, VT