Rani Arbo &
daisy mayhem

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Acoustic Guitar Magazine Review – Some Bright Morning

The expression “tight har­monies” could have been coined to describe New England–based Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem—just listen to the four-part mastery on Some Bright Morning’s “Hear Jerusalem Moan” and “Fire in the Sky” for proof. Arbo (fiddle) is blessed with an unmistakable voice, both light and sultry, with a hint of a tremolo and smoke that nicely balances the three male voices in the group (Scott Kessel, percussion; Andrew Kinsey, bass and banjo; Anand Nayak, guitar). But singing is only one of the group’s outstanding talents. The band shape-shifts through roots styles with aplomb (described by band members as “agnostic gospel revival”) in a mix of traditionals, covers, and originals, displaying the kind of relaxed virtuosity only achievable by the best players. As if this weren’t enough, Ray Bonneville (harmonica) plays off Kessel’s masterful percussive effects on “Travelin’ Shoes,” and Mark Erelli contributes spellbinding lap steel on three songs, including the lovely “Bridges.” Guitarists will especially appreciate arrangements that allow ample space for Nayak’s impressive artistry on both electric and acoustic guitars. He adds bluesy finesse to Kinsey’s luscious bass on “Will Your House Be Blessed” and “Little Johnny Brown,” and on “East Virginia” he employs drone-like repeated notes and an unexpected Middle Eastern–sounding interlude to complement Arbo’s achingly exquisite fiddle. Effortless and loose, Some Bright Morning is simply gorgeous. It’s the group’s best yet.

- Céline Keating, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, August 2012