All Is Well

2007 sophomore release from the American musician Sam Amidon. He proves himself to be a unique talent, drawing simultaneously on his experiences growing up a child of Folk musicians in Vermont, and his more recent work in New York with the experimental indie-rock bands Doveman and Stars Like Fleas. From the opening notes of the first track, 'Sugar Baby,' it's as clear that All Is Well is a different album from his previous offerings, and by the album centerpiece, the wistfully poignant 'Saro,' it's obvious that this album is very special, indeed. With horns erupting and dissipating around the listener, Amidon's trademark delivery is perfectly offset by the tenderly plucked notes of his six-string. Nico Muhly's orchestration is not the only addition to Amidon's barrel of sounds. In the length of an album, Amidon has struggled through gunfights, paternal tensions, religious guilt and the lonely life of a nomad, but he leaves us with the message that all is well; a defining statement that is bound to warm the hearts of even the coldest gun-slinger. Bedroom Community.