This hard-to-find CD comes from an elusive but talented singer-songwriter. They grew up on the west coast and spent time staying in Zagreb, Croatia around the time of this release. They called New York City "home" in one online interview.
It's a wonderful album with really great, heartfelt original songs, equally split between major and minor keys. Noteworthy are the background vocals and high harmony provided on multiple tracks by Dora Benc. Keys, strings, light percussion, and a few electronic effects are present, helping direct Shanti's words right through your ribs into your heart. In still other songs, the additions lend a joyful bounce or even a full soundscape, enhancing Shanti's guitar and vocals.
There's love and pain, wanderlust, wit, and want in the lyrics (printed in full in the insert). This CD will leave you wanting more music from A.J. Shanti. I've looked and looked.
"Baby Beau Blue" was produced by William David (Willie) Fastenow at Park Boulevard Studios, Brooklyn, NY Catalog #: PBP 634479825996 (UPC 634479825996)
Musicians:
William David Fastenow: horns, piano, keyboards, electronics Caley Monahon-Ward: violin Tim Pattison: electronics Dora Benc: vocal performance and translation to Croatian on Tracks 5 & 6
TRACKS:
1. Earth 2. Script 3. Head and Brandy 4. Where Will You Be 5. Little Boy Whore 6. "How Could I Not" 7. Armor 8. Ink Stained Skin 9. Sharkbones 10. I'm a Liar 11. White Picket Fences 12. Invisibility 13. Stoic Cowboy Stance 14. Pine 15. Home 16. Take My Life