Hilton Park has done it again. The Maine folksy trio has come up with another album of catchy, accessible folk, singer-songwriter material Perhaps it is because their influences concern more than just folk artists and singer-songwriters. Perhaps their interpersonal chemistry is so strong they can have fun with any influence. This trio consisting of Bruce Hilton, Conor Hilton, and Gregg Pannier offer a CD both joyful and sorrowful, Their lyrical gamut of emotions runs as wide as their beautiful harmonies, sweet melodies, and tender lyrics.
The remarkable thing about Hilton Park is how much of a full sound they can get from three guys playing mostly acoustic instruments Opening track “Freedom Ain’t Waiting,” woven together with flinty bits of banjo, mandolin, and acoustic guitar, uses the lifestyles of the early 1600s pioneers to make their case. Calling people toward independence and freedom, the trio use their harmony vocals to weave another layer of natural sound, keeping this one thick with rustic appeal. One can feel the American spirit in this song’s motions and instrumental flow.
“Hey Hey Johnny” is a down tempo, slightly blues flavored acoustic ditty. Assertive strumming picking beneath three part harmonies remind of early Grateful Dead songs. Earthy and organic, this one moves with a hearty authority, its naturalness of sound and purpose carry forward quite well.
“The Unfair” takes its time unfurling its message of companionship as a flittering acoustic guitar melody floats over soft sprinkles of piano notes. A slightly rasped lead vocal moves through this natural landscape with warmth, depth, breadth. That voice is as comforting as the lyrical theme; assuring that one is not alone. When the harmony vocals come in, this tune becomes even more soothing and even more musically pleasing, offering a wider, earthier, more soulful folkness.
The catchiest song on this Songs From The Porch album is “Overcome,” a sprightly, mid-tempo piece in which a lively melodic clip and swirling harmony vocals remind of early Bee Gees. When its piano melody comes striding back in, it reminds that Hilton Park have as many pop influences as folk and singer-songwriter, and one wonders if this could become a huge radio hit on local and college radio.
Hilton Park are masters at setting a scene, creating a mood. The cleverly titled “Sarah & Dippety” travels down a mellow road, each note picked or tinkled lightly. Over this pleasant drawl is a contrasting thickness of harmony vocals. Reminding somewhat of Crosby Stills and Nash, it exists in its own zone, a special place where all is peaceful and contemplation is made easy by gentle trappings. Notes spring up like pleasant ripples as the tune closes out, completing a scene of idyllic life.
Becoming more bluesy, “Waiting At The Door” benefits greatly from an acoustic slide guitar. Its juicy notes are greasy fun, making the melody feel nice and slippery, reminiscent of vintage front porch blues. Beneath, a more punctuating effect from a second guitar, piano, and percussion pushes an ominous tale of judgment. The lead vocal sounds haunted, desperate, and resigned to a fiery end. The lyrical drama and the musical trappings match so well it’s not funny, and the trio has something that can over with fans of rock, blues, and folk.
“Tuesday Blues” features a bluesy rasp over a swaggering folk rock soundscape. The lead vocal is plenty soulful. A skittering acoustic guitar line and emotive chorus coos impress and give further lift to its plucky fiber. A swirling organ line adds another layer of soulful vibe and everything comes together just right in this festive piece.
Closing track “No Good Way To Say Goodbye” takes things slow and easy. With a wide, arcing harmony, this one conjures the lonely feeling of goodbye. Supported by light acoustic guitar work and pretty piano tinkling, this one says goodbye until next time to the trio’s fans in a way that can only be felt rather than understood intellectually.
Hilton Park releases this kind of fun yet impressive CD every few years. With a combo of earthy, organic harmony vocals, natural acoustic instruments, and a lead vocal that ranges from raspy blues to honey smooth pop to soulful and emotive, Hilton Park cover a wide ground of aural treats, serving them up to their listeners in songs that can make us want to party, smile and laugh, or maybe release some emotional catharsis. Recorded, mixed, and mastered b Hilton Park, Songs From The Porch has a natural sound, pure, clear, and it lets the vocals and instruments breathe.
