Storyhill, “Shade of the Trees” (Red House Records, 2010)
Reviewed by Abu Ramses – ALL TRACKS FCC CLEAN

Studio album of Twin Cities-based singer-songwriter duo Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson. Classic folk style, minimalist recording - 2 acoustic guitars and 2 voices recorded around 1 mike to give a mono-like sound. Nice harmonies, recall Simon & Garfunkle. Songs of love, war, and sorrow. “Shade of the trees” is a quote from the last words of Confederate general Stonewall Jackson. 2007 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Award winners.

Try tracks 2, 3, 5, 8

Tracks
1. Avalon – slow, tight harmony, soaring tenor - 3:30
2. Better Angels – Inspired by the Jackson quote, but not an ode to the old south - 3:37
3. Well of Sorrow – upbeat, nice guitar picking interludes, but sad - 3:08
4. Caught in a Mess – downbeat ballad of lost love, money, etc. - 3:21
5. Cover Your Tracks – quick finger picking, maybe best guitar piece - 3:03
6. World Go Round – mid-tempo, finger picking, come on baby song - 3:56
7. Getaway – slow, duet and exchanging solo lines - 3:27
8. Town Talks – up beat, finger picking with swing - 3:01
9. Dangerous Weapon- mid-tempo,“this is love, blindfolded & dumb”- 3:06
10. Pieces of Love – upbeat, finger picking, nature & sometime love - 2:50