Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free

With Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free, Bonny Light Horseman deliver a capacious collection of acoustic Americana. The process started in 2023 when the owner of a century-old pub in County Cork opened his doors to Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D Johnson and Josh Kaufman, along with JT Bates (drums) and Cameron Ralston (bass), to set up their gear and get to work. Combined with tracks recorded at Dreamland Studios in upstate New York, the resulting album comprises 18 songs, plus two short interludes, across two albums. A special resonance connects the roots of American folk music with Bonnie Light Horseman’s 21st-century approach. ‘Old Dutch’ wrestles with love’s irrational tow in a simple, sweetly rocking arrangement. ‘Don’t Know Why You Move Me’ moves with new soul groove. The smooth jazz inflections of ‘Speak to Me Muse’ push the band into urban territory. Bonny Light Horseman’s Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free offers an easy-on-the-ears listening experience.