Sam Bergquist - Racing Down the Valley (2025)

Based in Boston, Massachusetts this interesting artist balanced his passion for music with a career as a public school teacher over many years. He previously played in a local-area band Loose Change where he featured as lead vocalist, guitarist and song-writer over a lengthy period. In between these activities Berquist also released a number of solo albums and this new project follows a return to recording following the release of a 4-song EP, titled WISER THEN back in 2023. The first two songs carry a celebratory message, with Steppin’ Out looking at a contented love and how it burs brightly, while Lucky is a touching tribute to his father, who has passed away.

Mountain Boy looks at a rural lifestyle where the familiar nestles along the rivers and roads, a slow pace to life, and surrounded by family, friends and home fires burning. The musicianship on the album is of a high standard and the guitars feature brightly in the clear mix. Co-production is courtesy of Bergquist and Dave Westner, who also plays drums and keyboards on the songs. Here and Gone is a story song about a drifter who calls the road his home and a character who needs to fuel a restless spirit ‘My name is Ellis Turner, And I gotta’ go, I’m here in Santa Fe, And it’s starting to snow.’

Environmental issues, global warming, and our lack of social awareness are tackled on Earth On Fire with the words ‘It was an ominous day, In the commonest way, Just like every day, Another once in a century catastrophe.’ The song Get Gone shakes things up with a great up-tempo arrangement about getting out of town and starting over. The traditional country blues of Mama’s In Jail is wrapped by the bass and pedal steel guitar of Jason Altshuler, and the easy groove is superbly delivered. Makin’ It Up is a song about false friends and hollow characters, selling themselves for short-term gain.

The final song Mornin’ features some fine picking on a message to love each day and embrace all that nature offers. Sam Bergquist features on mandolin to great effect and his ability on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, and harmonica is flawless throughout. There is much to enjoy on this album.