Tumbledown (http://www.tumbledowntunes.com) drift in from an alternate reality, a parallel Earth wherein softly-plucked acoustic guitars, honey-warm vocal harmonies, and soothing country-jazz textures are an integral part of pop music. Actually, we're not talking about the Twilight Zone here. In the early '70s, artists such as Tumbledown provided the backbone for rock radio.
But Tumbledown isn't just about baby-boomer nostalgia. This is a group with strong original material, enough to draw comparisons to James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, and especially Poco. The rootsy "The Right Thing to Do" is a work of beauty, a mighty pretty slice of classic country and Van Morrison soul.
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Although Tumbledown wet their toes in country waters, they never make a complete plunge. The band echoes the eclectic influences and stylistic adventurousness of many FM radio staples in the late '60s. On "Comfort Me," Tumbledown recalls the Latin vibe of vintage Santana but also the dreamy lushness of Classics IV. "Sail Away" is a dead ringer for Crosby, Stills & Nash with its singalong vocals; however, it also includes a spellbinding instrumental jam that displays the group's impressive chops.
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