Article by: Jessica Gorrell
The California Honeydrops’ 2015 release, A River’s Invitation, is nothing short of entertaining. With influences from blues to funk to jazz and more, A River’s Invitation is, well, inviting. It’s warm and playful, soulful and smooth, and can give voice to a whole spectrum of emotion. Lech Wierzynski’s velvety yet powerful vocals combined with Johnny Bones’ saxophone and Lorenzo Loera’s funky keys flesh out the bare-boned structure that percussionists Ben Malament and Beau Bradbury have built.
The opening title track “A River’s Invitation” is a borrowed and revamped Percy
“When It Was Wrong” and “Crazy Girls” introduce more grooving and unbelievably fun melodies that are nearly impossible to not dance to.
While A River’s Invitation is a great listen for those in need of some soft ambiance, or even something to dance to, the album, as well as the band, serves more of a purpose than just a good time. “Long Way,” an upbeat, melodic tune, is a “call for progress” as Wierzynski says, speaking out on social and political issues, drawing its influence from the Black Lives Matter movement.
A River’s Invitation, eclectic and wildly entertaining, is most definitely a versatile soundtrack befitting of practically all life’s adventures. The California Honeydrops are also currently on tour, with dates and cities listed here on their website.
Track Listing:
1. A River’s Invitation 7. On A Rainy Day
2. When It Was Wrong 8. This Time
3. Brokedown 9. Lead Me Home
4. Cry Baby Blues 10. Rockaway
5. Jolie 11. Long Way
6. Crazy Girls