“Frozen Shadows” open the latest six song E.P. Sitting On The Wind by Bud Buckley with an atmosphere of loneliness. This guitar teacher from
Florida exposes his inner feelings from the start with the titles of tracks listed just under the dedication to “kid brother Donny Buckley, may he rest
in peace”.
The soothing yet edgy strings punctuate the first track and continue to highlight songs throughout the E.P. with especially striking solos on “Frozen
Shadows” and the closing track, “Go If You Want To”.
Themes of nature's elements of air (the wind in track “Sit On The Wind”) and water (in “A Way” and “Jacob's Hurricane”), temper the underlying fire which must be felt after losing a loved family member. The line, “how much winter must I endure before I become undone” in “Frozen Shadows” and the recurring supplications to “evacuate” and “swim away” in “A Way” show the truth of this E.P.: to weather the worst life throws with the partners we choose.
Track 3, “Move Me”, is a favorite for its placement on the importance of language in music and its ability to move others. This track acts as a reflection and breaks from the themes of enduring; it calls a more playful time to mind like the beginning of a marriage where two minds connect.
The arpeggios and strings arrangements in “Sit On The Wind” accent the idea of allowing one's self to let go and accept things as they come. The unity expressed in the dual vocals by Bud Buckley and his female backup singers Helen Avakian and Beth Reineke marks a harmony in a beautiful love song written for Buckley's wife.
One of the best things about listening to others' expressions of creative catharsis is an ability to get inside the themes and words of music and connect to another creative mind. Taking the airy ride with Buckley's talented team of musicians will give insight into his mind and soothe away the stresses of life. Just a modern, easy to listen to E.P. Perfect for unwinding after a long day (or winter).
Take a minute to check out all the lyrics and available albums from Bud Buckley at: www.BudBuckley.com
Review by Ellen Eldridge
