Release Date: June 15, 2015
Label: Promotion Music Records
Cynthia Chitko is an artist with a deep emotional
investment in her music. Days Gone by
Remembered is Chitko’s sophomore album and reaches deeper into in a folk
sound with country and Americana foundations. Songs of remembrance and focus on
the family are rich with expressive elements, vocals and instrumentation.
Artists on this album include Peter Phippen (Fender bass, William Hall &
Son boxwood flute), Randy Sabien (violin, mandolin), Ivan Lunde Jr (frame drum,
Rain FX), Robert Baca (trumpet), Terrence Karr (tabla drums) and of course
Cynthia Chitko on acoustic guitar and vocals.
In an album that scrapes against the raw emotions of
being human Days Gone by Remembered is
a look into the fiber of the artist’s soul. One of the most striking pieces was
“My Innocence”. It tells of a young girl whose innocence was stolen at the
hands of someone very close to her. This piece will resonate with anyone who
has ever had a similar experience. The pain suffered travels across time, even
when the perpetrator dies. The acoustic guitar, frame drum and Fender bass
blend with Cynthia’s seamless vocals to portray feels that most consider too
difficult in general conversation, let alone a well-built song. This song is
for all of us that have been wounded in such a way by the very people we
trusted. Kudos to you Cynthia for your courage and forbearance.
“Gray Rainy Day” begins with the natural sound of rain
and morphs into melodious violin sequences. Chitko’s vocals resonate through
the piece, paired with Fender bass, acoustic guitar and Rain FX. Memories are
stirred by occasions but even as events happen both good and bad, life still
goes on.
Evoking the spirit of freedom, “Dance with Me Mata Hari”
spirals into being. The Tabla drum, acoustic guitar, Fender bass and Chitko’s signature
emotive vocals take the listener on a magic carpet ride. The wild and sensuous
essence of the legendary spy and lover coaxes you to cast all your inhibitions
to the wind and let yourself go. The rhythm and folk sounds of this piece make
you want to throw back your hair and just do it. Step out of the box and let
your flag fly high.
Days
Gone By Remembered is an album rich with memories and textured
sound. The human condition is a blend of joy and pain and Cynthia Chitko
purveys that well by using voice and instrumentation to craft an organic experience.
She and her contributing artists have brought the shadows of the past alive and
they are dancing. If you enjoy folk music with a focus on human elements, I
recommend this album.
4/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: My Innocence, Dance With Me Mata Hari, Gray Rainy Day
Tracks:
01.Days Gone by Remembered
02.Stain on the Wood
03.Snake Eyes
04.My Innocence
05.Word
06.Whenever I See You
07.Gray Rainy Day
08.The Spirits Won't Let Me Be
09.Unfree
10.Dance With Me Mata Hari
11.Watching over You
Tracks:
01.Days Gone by Remembered
02.Stain on the Wood
03.Snake Eyes
04.My Innocence
05.Word
06.Whenever I See You
07.Gray Rainy Day
08.The Spirits Won't Let Me Be
09.Unfree
10.Dance With Me Mata Hari
11.Watching over You
Dana
Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
October 26, 2015
Review
Provided By Write A Music Review