They open the EP with "Future Ghost," an instrumental track composed by Jon Stickley, and originally released by Jon Stickley Trio in 2021, during the pandemic when a lot of folks were contemplating the possibility of being a ghost. This version has something of a different vibe, and features some impressive and beautiful guitar work, just as you'd expect. The joy of the playing helps move us away from our concerns, or at least put them into perspective, like sunlight breaking in upon a nightmare. We are here now, we are alive now, the music seems to say, so take comfort in that and enjoy the experience. That's followed by a cover of "Sailor Suit," a song written by Steve McMurry and original recorded by Acoustic Syndicate. It was included on that band's 1999 album, Tributaries. "Back in the year of 1971/I was six years old on my birthday/We had a great aunt, lived in Fort Lauderdale/Sent me a sailor suit through the U.S. mail." There is a great, bright tone to the vocal delivery of those opening lines. "I want to be in that sailor suit, in my sailor suit." Jon Stickley is on lead vocals. The song expresses a desire to return to childhood, to the innocence of that time. But more than innocence, it was that sense of unlimited possibilities the world seemed to promise to us that holds such great appeal now. Our imagination also seemed limitless, and we trusted it, let it carry us into all sorts of territory. And these guys capture that sense, that great feeling. "Maybe sometime on a warm summer's day/I will find my way." Yes, the possibilities, at least some of them, are still there. There is also some fantastic guitar work on this track. "Why can't I be like I was back then/So free."
"Pioneers" takes us to "A different time from where I stand," as they sing. And our imagination, along with the music, takes us there as we listen "To see the lands not seen by man." Ah yes, that was always our desire when we were children, pretending no one had ever been wherever we happened to be treading. Yes, the previous song is coloring my experience of this track. This song was written by Larry Keel, and originally recorded by The Larry Keel Experience, who included it on the 1999 album The Sound. There is some beautiful guitar work on this one. "Take The Air" is an instrumental piece composed by Jon Stickley, and originally included on Jon Stickley Trio's 2023 album Meantime's Up. And here too is a sense of open possibilities, of capability, with a joy and excitement to the playing. Then a change comes halfway through, a pause, a breath. I think at that point in the original recording, the drums cut loose for a bit. Anyway, following that breath is more outstanding guitar work. This version is somewhat shorter than the original recording. The EP then concludes with "Starborn," a song written by Larry Keel in tribute to Jeff Austin, whom you probably recall from his time in Yonder Mountain String Band as well as for his solo work. This one comes on with a good energy, first in the guitar work, and then in the vocals. "And no one knows where one's mind goes/How it flows through the show, deep and powerful/For all to see, but when the curtains close/What will be will be." Interestingly, this one too has a sort of slight pause for breath in the middle, before building again and then going into a nice instrumental section. "Looking back on where we started from/All the things we've learned/So many twists and turns/But we're still carrying on." Indeed! There is then a mellower, more contemplative instrumental section at the end.
CD Track List
- Future Ghost
- Sailor Suit
- Pioneers
- Take The Air
- Starborn
Larry Keel & Jon Stickley is scheduled to be released on September 5, 2025.
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