Diane Arkenstone - Union Road (2013) Lossless

Over the last dozen years, Diane Arkenstone has explored a wide variety of musical landscapes, from ambient new age music, Southwestern fantasias, Celtic flavors and global fusion music. Now, Arkenstone embarks on an exciting new chapter in her career - introspective folk ballads. UNION ROAD immediately marks a contrast to her earlier work with the introduction of blues guitar on "Little Cup of Coffee," which quickly makes way for Arkenstone's soulful vocals and rootsy melodies. Likewise, "Just Kicking Around" and "Union Road" have a pleasant, breezy sound that calls to mind afternoon drives down the open road. The music is predominantly acoustic, with guitar and piano being prime instruments alongside bass, mandolin, accordion, penny whistle and percussion. A thought-provoking, highly enjoyable new journey from this impressive singer/songwriter.

Nearing perfection by the casual relaxing atmosphere, Union Road is a brilliant vocal instrumental album with novel lyrics you are sure to love. Keep your eye on Diane Arkenstone, whose sense of freedom when creating original new music is sure to transport you on a route that can only be described as adventuresome.