Joseph Parsons THE FIELD THE FOREST. Meer Music/Blue Rose Records

THE FIELD THE FOREST is a double EP package that focuses on two distinctive writing styles of Joseph Parsons. ‘The Field’ carries a lighter meditation on redemption & relationships. ‘The Forest’ is an adventurous, heavier rock toned EP that delves into topics of mortality, war and love. There are at least two sides to every story and as we progress through life we often find our perspective switches as we evolve our thinking or change our condition. Right out of the gate, “All The Way” feels like a ride on a sunny day with the top down or another round on the Tilt-a-Whirl. We’ve got a tonic for mankind and we’re “taking it all the way around the world, ’til my heart explodes.” “Berlin” celebrates the spirit of one of Europe’s oldest cities as she defines her place in the 21st century. Steeped in history, she seeks to maintain the vibrancy, diversity and independent streak that attract those who would gentrify her. Or maybe it’s about an attractive woman whose beauty is much more than skin deep. This song cycle tackles the complicated nature of romantic entanglements and the challenges of maintaining a relationship over time. “Don’t Belong” is a signature Joseph Parsons love ballad: moody, melodic and honest. You have to have lived a little and felt a lot to be here. This is what brings audiences back again and again to his live shows and recorded work. Following the opening catharsis of “Scream” and later “Bliss” Parsons takes us on a path through an aural landscape that is moody and sometimes ominous. This is delivered through beautiful melodies rewarding our companionship on this journey. His poetic lyrics describe one man’s search for salvation from the “Shadowland”. It feels personal. We are offered a glimpse into an intimate and private journal.The Forest challenges Parsons’ fellow musicians to go beyond their undoubted talents as a powerful rock band (”Scream”, “Bliss”, “Shadowland”) to conjure up textures for the moodier pieces and reign in for a lighter touch with equal devotion. The song cycle opens with the anthem-like “Scream” and concludes with the pastoral English folk stylings of “Horizon”. It is here that our guide leaves us standing with the sun on the horizon, to ponder our thoughts and continue the journey in our own time. If you seek the companionship of a fellow traveller, you can always start again with The Field.

Joseph Parsons is an independent American songwriter & recording artist based in Europe. Originally from the musical city of Philadelphia, he has been living in Northern Europe since 2007. Parsons has made his name by consistently delivering exceptional song driven studio and live CD’s along with a rigorous touring schedule.

Parsons records and tours internationally as the Joseph Parsons Band. Long a fan of multi-dimensional recording productions, Parsons writes distinctive songs that often defy categories. He weaves through genres as he fuses traces of Emo Rock, Soul and Folk to create his own unique style of Rock & Roll. Always emotive and energetic on recordings, his live shows are dynamic, spirited and deeply personal experiences.

Joseph Parsons, born on the East Coast, USA in the mid 60’s, moved between Philadelphia and Louisiana until age 14. At which time, because of trouble with the law, he had to leave home and was sent to a mountain work school to reform his ways. After finishing high school, he spent 10 years on the road living and writing music while occasionally landing in Los Angeles, Louisiana, Paris, Boston & New York before returning to stay in Philadelphia during his late 20’s.

Parsons’ early musical education was formed busking the streets of Europe and with original shows in the USA. His first recording (Breathe) established him as one of the first Singer Songwriters on the Philly scene in 1990. By 1997, and after 4 more studio CD’s, he landed a deal with Blue Rose Records from Germany. This started Parsons’ prolific recording career and has since released 18 CD’s of his own music or with groups he founded on Blue Rose Records, Sanctuary Records or with his current own label, Meer Music (Hardpan, 4 Way Street, US Rails & Parsons Thibaud.)

THE FIELD THE FOREST was recorded by the Joseph Parsons Band, now in its 10th year, featuring Sven Hansen (drummer and engineer, Germany), Ross Bellenoit (vocalist and producer, USA) & Freddi Lubitz (bass player and vocalist, Germany.) Written and produced by Parsons, this is their 3rd studio production since 2011 following ‘Hope For Centuries’ and ‘Empire Bridges’. ‘The Field The Forest’ was arranged by the band. The Field was mixed by Tom Albrecht and The Forest was mixed by Matthew Emerson Brown.

This double EP/album arrived quite recently although it was originally released back in 2016. On first listen I have to declare my major surprise that parons and his band have not been picked up and heavily promoted by one of the larger labels. The song-writing and performances here are wonderful, as well as being some of the most radio-worthy sounds I’ve heard all year. In fact it’s probably the first time in many years that I reckon everyone of the twelve songs could so easily be played on the most conservative of radio stations here in the UK (including of course BBC Radio 1 and 2).

Parsons’ voice is smooth, expressive and something of a revelation. The music is a mix of mild country, pop and rock with the first EP more orientated towards pop/rock. ‘All The Way’ is a song that could so easily be recorded by one of the USA’s top country artists. It is mid-paced, has a monstrous melody, catchy choruses, great lyrics (”We are diamonds in the rough/Breathing life into dust/Falling weightless we’re lost/With full and hungry hearts“) and a voice exhibiting a wide range. The package is completed by wonderful instrumental arrangement and top-drawer production.

‘Berlin’ is next and slows the pace as Parsons sings nostalgically about a young girl (”She’s more than the girl next door/Einstein smart in a mini skirt…Don’t like to flirt/Speaking perfect English/I know her by the name Berlin“). There’s another tangible melody and a voice that is sincere and expressive. ‘Need You’ sustains the slower pace with a song that is arguably the most beautiful on the record. The vocal is superb, the vibe is contemplative, and the solo guitar passages are stunning.

The second EP is darker and more introspective exemplified by the wonderful opener ‘Scream’. Parsons knows only too well the value of a strong melody to grab the listener and here is a prime example. The song is epic with fabulous instrumental arrangement with drums and guitar leading the charge. Parsons once again shows what a great vocalist he is with the impact of slower, thoughtful passages matched by despairing rocky passages. Then comes the more adventurous and darker ‘Abyss’ with vocals and instrumentals again sharing honours. It’s superb. ‘Baying’ follows the same formula but with a simple acoustic guitar strum behind the vocal which has an ethereal quality which is totally compelling. ‘Bliss’ turns on the rock tap albeit with a touch of folk in what is nothing short of anthemic. Every song here hits the mark and marks this artist and his band as something very special. It’s a faultless, class album that deserves global attention.

5/5