Crowe’s Pasture offers a musical experience that might require a moment to fully appreciate, but once you do, you’ll discover a genuine authenticity that’s increasingly rare. Whether they’re performing their original tunes or covering Bruce Springsteen’s classics like “If I Should Fall Behind,” this duo exudes a heartfelt sincerity. Their music carries a timeless sophistication, reminiscent of an era when musicality prioritized genuine expression over mere perfection and showmanship. They sound like a duo deeply rooted in rural expressiveness, sharing an instinctive and unifying musical connection.
While not leaning towards pop sensibilities like Nino Tempo & April Stevens or delving into deep folk traditions akin to Ian & Sylvia, nor reaching the intense creativity of Richard & Linda Thompson, Crowe’s Pasture presents a captivating charm throughout the 10 tracks of their album, Don’t Blink (released September 1st independently). This collection highlights their dedication and artistry. Monique Byrne stands out as the lead vocalist, particularly shining on tracks like “Get While the Getting is Good,” where her vocal prowess is showcased in a compelling duet performance.
The album embraces a warm, traditional foundation, yet their core presentation remains refreshingly unpolished. The intrigue of their vocals lies in their distinctive tonal contrast, diverging from the typical folk duo archetype such as Richard & Mimi Farina, where Mimi’s voice provided a silky counterpoint to Richard’s rougher tones.
Crowe's Pasture duo, Andy Rogovin and Monique Byrne, performing songs from their album Don't Blink, showcasing their authentic Americana sound.
Hailing from Massachusetts, Crowe’s Pasture, comprised of Andy Rogovin on guitar and Monique Byrne on banjo, delivers a rich and consistent fiddling element intertwined with their cross-pollinating vocals. This creates a uniquely vintage vocal blend. Andy’s vocal delivery carries a certain fragility, while Monique’s voice resonates with seasoned grace. This dynamic pairing surprisingly works to their advantage, as the contrasting yet harmonizing folk unison becomes genuinely appealing, a quality richly present throughout Don’t Blink.
Crowe’s Pasture isn’t aiming for the intricate arrangements of Pentangle, the folk-rock fusion of Fairport Convention, the powerful presence of Oysterband with June Tabor, or the pop-folk appeal of The New Seekers with Judith Durham. Instead, they offer a modest, sincere outpouring of heart and soul. Enhanced production could indeed elevate the duo’s overall sound, particularly by bringing the accompaniment to the forefront, as currently, the most prominent instrumental feature is the exceptional fiddling by Andy Reiner, Alice Hasen, and Robin Batteau. While the other musicians are undoubtedly skilled, their contributions seem somewhat subdued in the mix.
Don’t Blink was self-produced by the duo alongside Eric M. Lichter, who also contributed bass, percussion, keys, dobro, pedal steel guitar, and guitar, with the exception of “Take Back the Red, White & Blue,” which was co-produced with Neale Eckstein on bass.
Further standout performances include “Diamonds,” the exceptionally poignant “You At Every Age,” and “Barranco”—each enriched by captivating fiddle arrangements. These tracks hint at tantalizing British folk and Appalachian influences. “The Night We Met” almost feels like a Monique Byrne solo piece, showcasing her compelling and beautiful vocal talent.
Highlights from Don’t Blink: “If I Should Fall Behind,” “Caretaker,” “Get While the Getting is Good,” “Diamonds,” “You At Every Age,” “The Night We Met,” and “Barranco.”
Discover Crowe’s Pasture’s Don’t Blink, a testament to authentic Americana music. Purchase the 41-minute CD at https://crowespastureduo.com/product/913760.
