Forest Sun: Video/Press

Video

Poster/Photos

     

Photos by Michael Julian Berz

  

Photo by Scott Boone

Reviews

    Forest Sun is now my favorite new singer-songwriter.

    I had never heard of him, even though he has seven solo albums out on his own Painted Sun Records. How did this talented guy fall though the cracks? I'm not even sure how to describe his music because it incorporates elements of folk, pop, rock, Caribbean music, Cajun, jazz, country and blues. Did I leave anything out?

    Artists that he recalls include Ryan Adams, Jack Johnson, John Gorka, Todd Snider, even Van Morrison and Lyle Lovett. But I think it's more of an attitude; his songs are jaunty, timeless and spirit raising, even life-affirming.

And he even has a children's album "Just for Fun" - "a children's album that the parents will love." And it's true. Try to get the song "Trampoline" out of your head after just one listen. Can't do it.

I recently caught Forest Sun and his lovely chanteuse Ingrid at Room 5 in LA. And I'm here to tell you that if you're in the market for an extraordinarily well rounded evening of musical entertainment, look no further.  Engaging melodies, lyrics that careen from playful to thoughtful and back again, note-perfect yet inviting vocals, backed by playing that's as accomplished as it is nuanced -- this twosome delivers.

Love it!

Forest's performance Saturday night reminded us of the good old days when the San Francisco folk music scene happened in small and intimate venues – where you felt like you were part of the music.

"One of my favorites. My top pick for One Night Music songs recorded so far."

Just for Fun - Songs for the Little Ones

In nine songs Forest Sun offers a crash sourse in roots music on his seventh cd, especially aimed at children: his own Trampoline merges seamlessly with the eight classic children’s songs that he changes into reggae, funk, calypso, country and folk.
Because they are practically unknown in Europe, it doesn’t strike you when listening that this cd was made for a youthful targetgroup. Furthermore Sun and occasional friends don’t make any stylistic concessions, so that the only 37 minuten long CD is a exemplary sample card of roots styles.

On Forest Sun's "Harlequin Goodnight," there are ten songs he wrote himself and Dylan's "She Belongs to Me." Still Sun combines folk just as easily with influences from pop music as from country. Thus, "This Lightning" contains a musical reference to the Kinks' "Dedicated Flower of Fashion."

In his at the same time catchy and rootsy melodies Sun does not only sing, he also plays the guitar, the piano, wurlitzer and drums. Friends on dobro, cello, accordion and background vocals even enrich them. In them the melancholy atmosphere dominates over Sun's by no means small craftsmanship.

"I'm hooked... Gem of an album."

“... alt country, folk-rock jams, creating a hodgepodge of comparisons that ranged from Jack Johnson to Ryan Adams to David Gray. ...even into Bob Dylan territory ... a daunting place to tread, but pulled off with the grace of a musical veteran”

"Worldly singer songwriter brings the Americana home."

"... a toe tapping adventure"

"A wealth of star-roaming storytelling and slow drawl intimacy, recalling everyone from Chris Smither and Ryan Adams to Lyle Lovett in their easygoing charms and front porch bonhomie."

"From the intimate folk sound of acoustic guitar, voice, and fiddle through full-blown gospel- and R&B-driven arrangements, irresistible rock-steady reggae, and the unclassifiably eclectic hybrids… Forest Sun rises up with an authentic, original voice."

"Lilting, gorgeously orchestrated hybrids of bluegrass,
 gospel, and folk, all in support of Sun's rich throwback croon."

"Instantly accessible…. easily one of my favorite releases of the year."

"This cat has what it takes to make a mark… Sun's music is timeless… as fine a singer/songwriter record as is out there."

"Here is an honest artist ...beautiful lyrics, straight-forward, willing to put it all on the line. Nice, easy rhythms, many with a great twist, all backing lyrics that show why the indie artists are always the ones with the straightest message. The ones that speak truths that will endure our lifetimes and beyond."

"I'd say the future of quality folkie-acoustic-singer-songwriters-type music are in good hands. I highly recommend Forest Sun and his band!"

"Five stars! As festival promotors, one of top three CD's we've received in 5 years! Even with dozens of demo CD's and promotional packages coming in from all over the country, this one stood out so prominently that we both knew immediately that we'd be willing to pay Forest Sun and his band to fly across the country to play at our little music festival in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey. We ordered 9 more CD's and distributed them to family, friends and a couple of local DJ's, because we're so sure of his universal appeal."

"A 'Sun' shines through the clouds of music. Forest Sun is a multitalented individual with music in his veins."

"At a different level! I was really impressed."

"Forest Sun once again proves he is not only capable of writing fine new tunes but that he is a man who knows where he's coming from. He seems to have one foot in the future and the other firmly planted in his roots. His voice carries a quiet intensity and a warmth that disarms the listener, while the songs seem fresh and familiar all at the same time. Music played on real instruments by real people...refreshing to say the least...f^%ing great record... and you can quote me."

"Forest Sun's music is full of life—real life, that is. It is joyful, but also poignant, upbeat and at the same time deep and soulful. His cd is a must-have, but a live performance is even better."