Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations - Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations

This record is in some ways unique. One that bridges both history, and what is to come, all highlighted in a musical collection that also reflects the current day, and the here and now for the artist. This is the world of Josh Rouse circa 2011: An American, born in the Midwest, who has over his life called many parts of the United States home, but an American now living a more cosmopolitan existence in modern Europe. The common thread through this rich journey has been the music - distinctive, appealing, and much celebrated across the globe. And so the life of Josh Rouse is reflected in this set of new recordings, his ninth album, with the simple title, Josh Rouse and the Long Vacations.

The album was recorded in Spain, but is decidedly not ‘Spanish’ in feel. This is an album that, in some fashion, reflects a reprise of the singer-songwriter’s roots. It encapsulates a past for Rouse that is steeped in that American Midwest, infused with the spirit of the endless plains and a homespun existence in Nebraska. And a past also touched by the American South - one with a distinctive friendly nature. It reflects a life growing up with the smooth uplifting sounds of early ‘70s AM radio.  

But this album is also informed by the present with Rouse’s current home of Spain adding its own distinctive texture to the sounds, spirit and feel of these nine songs. The album is also steeped in the future - a new decade in 2011, and on toward the years ahead. This is a future where the world is no longer carved into distinct small units, where life has become universal - a melting pot of different cultures, personalities and influences, reflecting a cosmopolitan spirit with no boundaries.

Josh Rouse and the Long Vacations is a stellar collection of new recordings, both thoughtful and melodious, and indeed enjoyable. An album that is likely to bring a summery feel to any time of the year. It is an album of great feeling and unity, encapsulating a full moon of ideas and ideals. Ideas and ideals that are fashioned, and continue to inhabit, the past, the present, and the future.

TRACKLISTING:

1 Diggin’ In The Sand, 2 Movin’ On, 3 Fine Fine, 4 To The Clock To The City, 5 Bluebird St, 6 Lazy Days,
7 Oh Look What The Sun Did!, 8 Friend, 9 Disguise,

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