Burnt Toast Vinyl
4 (of five)
No, that’s not John Denver and James Taylor’s love child. It’s Denison Witmer, a folksy Pennsylvania singer/songwriter set to debut his second album, Of Joy & Sorrow, this fall.
The artist appeared on the national music scene earlier this year with the release of The 80s EP. Witmer was then praised for honest lyrics and soothing arrangements, and obviously decided to build on his strong suits with album No. 2.
With elements of country western, pop and folk, Of Joy & Sorrow makes for a rich compilation. Witmer makes the transition between and combination of musical styles appear effortless; the plaintive songs flow easily into one another.
While Witmer delivers a simple and effective guitar performance, his true calling lies in songwriting. His vulnerably croon delivers honest, telling lyrics about love, heartbreak and second chances. Sense a theme?
The album truly is of joy and sorrow, exploring the paramounts and denouements of everyday relationships. The rhythmic track “Forgiven” addresses the need for forgiveness from a friend while the folksy “Simple Life” calls for security and a fresh start in a relationship.
Witmer manages to be conversational and poetic all at once. In “You and Me,” he sings “You will not believe how this came up/ Two apartments ago and downtown/ A picture of you sleeping in my chair/ I sang songs for you because I care about you and me/ Don’t tell me I’m the clever one/ We live like it’s all been said and done/ And everything I say now feels contrived/ I just want you to believe I tried.”
If you are looking for cynical lyrics and an edgy beat, pass this one up. But if you’re in the mood for a mellow listen and appreciate 1970s-style folk, Of Joy & Sorrow won’t disappoint.
— Stephanie Paterik
