Niel Golden

It’s A Journey (independent)

Yet another entry in the almost-too-good-to-be-local category, Niel Golden’s It’s a Journey is a beautiful package, both visually and sonically. Perhaps best known for his work with local world music outfit Saffron, Golden has crafted a solid solo album that should stand the test of time. Filled with gentle sounds of the tabla as well as staples of both the world music (djembe, tamboura, kora, oud) and roots (guitar, accordion, harmonica) scenes, Journey sounds a lot like a Windham Hill release—and indeed, Golden’s music would be perfectly suited to the glory days of that fabled label. Most of these 12 tracks are originals by Golden (the notable exception being the quirky and charming cover of the Stones’ “Paint It Black”), but the savvy inclusion of a more rootsy sound broadens the audience for this album immensely, helped along by the likes of Harry Manx on the mohan veena, guitarist Ken Hall, bassist Scott White, vocalist Emily Braden, Jamie RT on fiddola and busy co-producer Wynn Gogol on accordion. For example, the traditional Indian Bhajan “Hari OM” is a great meditative track that’s much like a journey down an exotic rail line, but just when you’re getting tired of those mystical tabla sounds, he downshifts to a jauntier Celtic-influenced track like “Celtickle.” It’s A Journey is well worth taking.