A Wanderer I’ll Stay

Sweet, sincere harmony singing and a deft, relaxed approach to old-time, traditional and contemporary folk music are what characterise this latest album by the Vancouver-based duo. Pharis & Jason Romero have honed their art to a very sharp edge while leaving room for experiments. Their interpretation of ‘Cocaine Blues’ sounds like a rollicking romp in the park while ‘New Lonesome Blues,’ an original composition, uses a jangling banjo groove and chugging vocal refrain to mimic the sound of a railroad train; both songs are cleverly arranged, thoroughly engaging takes on familiar material.

Other standouts among the 11 tracks are two instrumentals played on the gourd banjo. Recorded at the Romero family home by David Travers-Smith, A Wanderer I’ll Stay is enhanced by the presence of guest instrumentalists on fiddle (John Rabie), bass (John Hurd), pedal steel (Marc Jenkins) and drums (Brent Morton).