Ben Bedford specializes in lyrical acoustic storytelling in the mould of Martin Simpson or Bruce Cockburn.
His 6th studio album explores themes of joy/grief and connection/isolation through nature imagery. The connecting thread of the songs is an adventure story, a sort of parable, with Hare as the protagonist.
The story, set in the Valley of Stars, mirrors the singer’s own vulnerability verging on depression. This condition was exacerbated through living alone in rural Illinois with just his cat, Darwin, for company during the pandemic lockdown. Bedford says; “Hare is trying to find light in dark, friendship in isolation. He's trying to face his fears and accept reality.”
The other creatures Hare encounters on his journeys reflect Bedford’s anxieties. For example, a sad Leopard represents grief and listlessness while an aggressive Adder symbolizes a fear of death, or fear of the unknown.
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Ultimately, safety of sorts is found in a Badger's burrow but this friendship and cosiness (In the Shelter of Indomitable Momma Badger) is not a long term solution to the challenges in the ‘real’ world.
The album is a singular piece of work but, even though it was produced in a period of some personal turbulence, the beauty of lengthy instrumental passages and the soothing vocals infuse the listener with a general sense of calm.
Ben Bedford’s website
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