For better, but much more likely for worse, you are of the place in which you were born until the day you leave it. Things may not work in all lands as in the days when lords and kings would have full ownership of your freedom. But make no mistake about it, the characteristics of your birthplace are implanted into every decision that you make.
The only practical solution to show yourself that you are not of any one land, that you are free to choose your ideas, friends and lifestyle, is to travel. Do it often, and move quickly! Make roaming your prime goal! And, if you do that, eventually, your mind will forget all of those stories about being of a certain place, and you’ll begin to feel like you are a co-owner of the greatest stories of the world.
This is what Stu Larsen, a professional wanderer, has opted to do. He’s been packing his bags for so long, in fact, that hearing the murmuring tales of the lands that welcome him is the concept for his latest album, “Solitude.”
But interacting with foreign lands in order to garner inspiration isn’t merely a poetic intention. The way Larsen chose to write and record the songs is novel and quite fascinating. Each song on the album doesn’t just take inspiration from a new place, but is conceived in a different country.
But can you hear this journey through the songs? You sure can. Just listen to the opening track, “Misty Morning”, and you too are standing by the dramatic mountainous landscape of New Zealand. Next, on “Xanadu,” the fingerpicked guitars and modern folk direction are meant to set you on a new adventure, this time, Tasmania, Australia.
For the most part, Larsen leans into a chilled-out, blissful acoustic-based sound that is the perfect match for his resonant vocals and his optimistic worldview. “Leskernick Hill” echoes the gentleness of traditional English folk music in the vein of Nick Drake. And even when the electric guitars do come out, the smoky blues-rock of a s song like “If I Get It Right”, the music’s still as pleasant as a clear Summer’s day spent admiring beautiful views.
This is the best way that Stu Larsen has found to embrace the world and be welcomed by it. And where does this leave us? Packing a bag and getting in tune with all that surrounds us.
