Sometimes life hits hard…really hard. And typically, at least among creative souls, music provides an outlet for safely expressing all the feelings that flow through us during those times. Remissions by singer/songwriter CN Byrd is a great example of an album that represents the deep emotional expression and healing processes that occur through music creation.
I think Byrd summed it up best when he said,
I am not so interested in publicizing what I have done, but I am interested in sharing where this album comes from. This album is a personal statement I had to get out of the way before I could move on.”
Throughout the 10 acoustic-driven, folk-pop jams that make up the Remissions album, CN Byrd works through the loss of his sister to cancer, the fading of his father from dementia, and how we are remiss in our lives for not following through with personal commitments and not working hard enough on being the best version of ourselves we need to be.
Taking it a step beyond the music, Byrd commissioned individual art pieces that capture the essence of each song and enhancing the overall quality and impact of the entire project. And they are great works of art!
Although 100% written, performed and produced by Byrd, Remissions is influenced not only by CN’s passion for yoga and dance, but also some recognizable names in the worlds of folk and jazz including: Paul Simon, Damien Rice, Warren Zevon, and John Martyn.
Remissions is best listened to from beginning to end with the volume turned up, distractions minimized, in an atmosphere intended for you to relax, listen and absorb not only the music, but also the lyrics and stories. Whether jamming along with Gina Rides a Tiger, Entropy, Lincoln’s Lullaby or the Spanish-language Consuelo, CN Byrd delivers a delightful, soothing, healing array of melodies and rhythms that will nurture the soul.
Excellent musicianship and top notch song crafting come together to create a worthwhile album packed full of soul, sacred wisdom, and an intimate look at the human experience.
Listen to Remissions on Bandcamp or Soundcloud.
Connect with CN Byrd on the official website, Instagram or TikTok.
