Alan Hampton - The Moving Sidewalk
We first encountered talented NY multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Alan Hampton a few years ago as a core member of Clare Muldaur's exquisite chamber pop ensemble Clare and the Reasons. On his new solo work The Moving Sidewalk, due March 15, the in-demand sideman for the likes of Sufjan Stevens and Elizabeth and the Catapult steps center stage with an album of glistening, sophisticated adult pop. Schooled with some of the finest practitioners of jazz -- Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard -- Hampton brings a stunningly accomplished resume to his Sidewalk. But it is his effortlessly sparkling songwriting and intricate, gorgeously lush production that makes this album such an unexpected delight.
"Change Your Mind" sets the tone with understated style, a shimmer of acoustic guitars and twinkling electronics setting up a cascading rhythmic foundation and Hampton's boyish, gently sanded vocals, vaguely reminiscent of Paul Simon's classic "Rhymin' Simon" period. The perfectly titled "Kaleidoscope" is a dazzling melange of sounds, unexpected jazz time signatures and shifting moods, a sublime tapestry that keeps revealing new twists, colors and delicate weavings. This is glorious, strikingly creative pop, a lovingly crafted collection of songs that draws upon some classic influences -- Lennon/McCartney, Brian Wilson, just to start the list -- but moves confidently into its own uniquely contemporary realm.
Alan Hampton - "Change Your Mind" (from the album The Moving Sidewalk)
Alan Hampton - "Kaleidoscope" (from the album The Moving Sidewalk)
Photo Credit: Lev Kuperman
Direct Current
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