Garth Sorensen - Toleration
Christian/Gospel, Folk, Country
California, United States
Overall Impression: "Toleration" is the latest release from veteran California based singer/songwriter Garth Sorensen. This uptempo bluegrass style track features both traditional folk instrumentation, as well as the inclusion of the more exotic sitar, which figures prominently in the song's introductory section. Sorensen gives a wonderfully rich vocal performance, delivering his pleas for social resilence in his distinctively weathered baritone, repeatedly stating, "There's got to be some room for toleration." A jaunty arrangement, polished production, and positive messaging make Garth Sorensen's "Toleration" an easy recommendation for any and all fans of conscientious and well crafted folk music.
Strongest Point(s): Excellent production, good tonal balance. Vocal is front and center in the mix, which certainly works well in this genre. Bass and drums sound great. The sitar was an interesting choice, but it fits in perfectly in the context of the song and adds a bit of character and psych folk flavor. The arrangement is very engaging overall, due to the harmonic and rhythmic variations that occur in the different sections. Lyrically it's exceptionally strong, thanks to the repetition and some clever turns of phrase. Especially liked the line, "First you make me feel like I don't want to talk, then you make me talk like I don't want to feel." The messaging is on point, as well (and much needed, in these turbulent times). Outstanding songwriting and a solid production, all around. Very nice piece of work, by everyone involved with the production.
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Folk, Traditional Folk, Psychedelic Folk, Folk Pop, Folk Rock, Bluegrass, Traditional Country, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Artist target suggestions: Phil Ochs, Billy Bragg, Richard Thompson, Townes Van Zandt, Pete Seeger, Ralph McTell, John Hiatt, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian Matthews, Cat Stevens, Guy Clark, Nick Drake, Richard Farina, Loudon Wainwright III
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About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre, from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers