Staten Island native
Paul Schalda
makes his solo debut as
Paul & the Tall Trees
, an appealing new project that offers a warm mix of retro soul and jangly Americana with elements of classic psych rock.
Schalda
's years as touring guitarist for soul man
Robert Bradley
have left their mark in the dynamic arrangements and overall feel of his debut,
Our Love in the Light
, though the intricate horns and strings parts also nod to late-'60s pop architects like
Van Dyke Parks
and
Harry Nilsson
. There are even tones of jagged new wave in tracks like "React" and "Can't You Wait," whose urgency can be felt in
's energetic, nervy delivery. As on previous releases he'd released under the
Pablo
banner, he is joined here by his father,
Will Schalda, Sr.
, and brother
Will, Jr.
on harmonica and keys, respectively. A talented writer, singer, and arranger with nearly two decades of music under his belt, there's a feeling of
's having finally put all the pieces in place here on this strong debut. ~ Timothy Monger