Sam Amidon can make time stand still. His voice, the sparse arrangements, the loyalty to folk’s fragile history — it all helps us to step outside our normal chronology and cast aside the weight of the world for a few minutes. His latest single, “Golden Willow Tree”, a reimagining of an English sea shanty turned Appalachian ballad, is evocative of past maritime activities and the reckless, lonesome lives of sailors. His voice spins a gossamer web around his acoustic guitar, with some slight electronic accoutrements adding in details in the background. The song is simply breathtaking, a celebration of deviously simple arrangements caught in the whirlwind of early 20th century blues and folk. The original song (part of “The Sweet Trinity“) dates back to the mid-1600’s, but time hasn’t altered its ability to make chills run up your spine.
Watch the Steve Gullick-directed performance video below.
Salt River is out Jan 24 via River Lea. You can pre-order the album here. Follow Sam Amidon on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
