Dave Goodman and Steve Baker - The Wine Dark Sea (2012)

Master guitarist, composer and singer Dave Goodman teams up with harmonica maestro Steve Baker to create a heady mix of country rock, acoustic funk, blues and folk which exudes a powerful identity all of its own and yet defies stylistic definition. Goodman’s sophisticated and exceptionally versatile work on both acoustic and electric guitar and his inspired songwriting meet their perfect foil with Baker’s tasteful, arrestingly original harmonica parts. The combination has clearly born fruit and on “The Wine Dark Sea”, both artists deliver what is arguably their finest work to date. It is rare that this level of instrumental expertise is combined with great songs, great vocals and state of the art production, but Goodman and Baker have clearly succeeded in pulling this off with a vengeance.

Both protagonists have long enjoyed a fruitful association with Acoustic Music Records. Dave Goodman’s last solo CD “Side Of The Road” received excellent reviews and cemented his burgeoning reputation as a virtuoso instrumentalist and highly talented songwriter. He is also a regular contributor to Acoustic Player and works closely with Peter Finger on numerous workshops and concert appearances. Steve Baker has been on AMR since the mid 1990s, releasing four highly acclaimed CDs with the late great singer/guitarist Chris Jones as well as “King Kazoo” with Dick Bird. On “The Wine Dark Sea”, Goodman & Baker are brilliantly supported by Martin Röttger on drums and cajon and Oliver Spanuth on drums. The CD also includes guest appearances by Big Daddy Wilson, Hanna Lunnon and Kolja Heins.

With “The Wine Dark Sea”, Dave Goodman and Steve Baker have created a work which transcends genre while remaining inherently consistent from beginning to end. Beautiful production and great songs, masterfully orchestrated, vocally and lyrically totally convincing.