Flight Of The Long Distance Healer

“Flight Of The Long Distance Healer” Skyway Man
Cosmic folk rock from Oakland’s James Wallace, who currently records and performs as Skyway Man. Inspired by letters Wallace came across from Dr. James Cyr to someone named Kate. The letters spoke of spirituality with references to extraterrestrial beings, otherworldly philosophy and theology. The bright, sometimes spacey arrangements envelope you in gauzy psych folk rock, with a hint of gospel or blues at times. Skyway Man collaborated with several guest vocalists on both coasts, including SF’s Andy Cabic of Vetiver. RIYL: Randy Newman, Jakob Dylan or Conor Oberst.
— Francis

Recommended: 7, 3, 2, 10, 9, 5. No FCCs detected.

1. (2:47) The Holding On — Starts with breathy, almost spoken vocals. Then, transitions to simple, mid-tempo piano-based folk rock.
2. (4:44) Moonlight Thunder (Feat. Kelly McFarling) — Good-time alt country strut with liberal use of horns. Intricate layers. Bouncy, happy and uplifting. ***
3. (4:30) Winds — Anthemic folk rock with captivating piano, quite effective synth trimmings and a march-like beat. Lovely, lush harmonies throughout. ****
4. (3:54) Days On Earth — Gospel feeling. Piano, organ and guitar. Reflects on the limited time we have on this planet.
5. (4:07) Backwards In Time — Laid-back blues rock. Electric piano and strings. Simple drum line. Reminiscent of Randy Newman. ***
6. (4:34) Dumb Hope — Hopeful, revival folk rock with piano, synth soundscape and a complex rhythm.
7. (4:00) Long Distance Healing — A brilliant synth pop anthem. Buzzing synth and bass foundation, plinking piano and brass. Synth arpeggios in the lead break. Fabulous! ****
8. (3:18) Another Meeting By The Tree (Feat. Erin Rae & Spencer Cullum) — Leisurely ballad with piano, guitar and strings. Vocal harmonies intermixed with spoken lyrics. Segues directly into Track 9.
9. (3:56) The Mothlight (Feat. Vetiver) — Easygoing alt country shuffle with smooth harmonized vocals, chimey piano and pedal steel guitar. ***
10. (5:18) Do Something Good (Feat. Erin Rae) — Gentle, sentimental sway. An uplifting conclusion with sparkling piano, swelling horns and tender backing vocals — plus electric guitar in the back half. ***