Seasoned vocalist/pianist Siobhan Monaghan and songwriter Andy Dawson Reid teamed up in 2019 to bring to audiences a compelling collaboration that exudes their many years of musical experience. Under the banner Anam Danu, the two set out to create Adult Contemporary Radio music that is not only soulful but also emotionally powerful and cinematic as well. Monaghan’s haunting vocals are at the forefront, grabbing listener’s attention right away and next to her vocals are tasteful beats and piano accompanied occasionally by an orchestral embellishment. The dynamic duo had released two previous albums and with their third Soul Making, the two show us that they’re better than ever. This ten-track collection shows the two immersing themselves into the music and really owning their sound.
Soul Making opens up with “Waiting To Fly,” where some piano and bongo beats arrive I was getting Adult Contemporary vibes immediately. Once Monaghan’s vocals came in, they blended in perfectly with the music. The duo really embraces some positive vibes here. I thought the uplifting music was a great change of pace from all the other stuff out there currently. More synths come in on “Old Growth.” Gradually, a haunting piano melody enters. Some beats gain traction as well. Soon, Monaghan’s vocals arrive and I thought there was a soaring aspect to the music that reminded me of a Disney theme song. Sizzling percussion, piano and the stirring sounds of strings ignite the start of “Sleeping On The Job.” There was definitely a change of pace from the group’s mellower undertakings previously. Some somber piano melodies come in at the start of “The End Of The Day.” The moving music is eventually joined by combined vocal harmonies. I was reminded of the Christmas carol “Silent Night.” There was just something hushed and expectant about this song that I thought was very inviting. Wind instruments chime in for a smooth and mellow vibe on “Mood Music.” More percussion instruments come in for a Bossa nova vibe. I loved how cool this blend of music was. I felt myself relaxing to the mellow sounds. More moody piano comes in on “Hummingbirds And Dragonflies.” The vibe was rather melancholic. Next, some synths and beats arrive. Monaghan’s emotional delivery takes flight here. On “Moments In The Sun,” more lively percussion and other-worldly background harmonies arrive. Next some synths add a wonky feel. Through all of this, Monaghan’s enigmatic vocals enter for some more of her dynamic contributions. On “Sometimes We Cry,” more synths come in for an atmospheric vibe. Next, some flute enters with its compelling sound. Monaghan’s vocals soon arrive with vulnerable detail. I felt touched by her moving performance and the sweeping music. The sound of the violin comes in with its rich cadence on the title track “Soul Making.” Soon, Monaghan’s vocals come through for a great sound. I thought this was a great way for the band to bid us farewell with this emotional send-off. Soul Making is a celebration of pandemic restrictions being lifted and Monaghan and Reid wanted to capture the more positive vibes of our world today with their new album. They successfully get this done and as you can see in their deliveries and performances on this record, that they never sounded better. This might be because on their previous album, the two had to record remotely due to the pandemic lockdown. With Soul Making, the duo was able to record together in-person and this gives the music a richer and deeper listening experience. All in all, Anam Danu is a captivating collaboration with tons to appreciate on their new album. Be sure you give this a spin today!
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