Reviews
Sunjay Album: Split The Sheets
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 14
Website: https://www.sunjay.tv/
Ten albums in, and following 2024's reflective Chris Smither homage I'M JUST LIKE YOU, Sunjay's SPLIT THE SHEETS is an upbeat feel good album. The singer guitarist continues his exploration the music and songwriters that shaped him, with classics drawn from seventy years of American music.
"That's Love" by Stephen Bruton is a confident opener with an infectious pulse, a superb vocal from Sunjay and some sizzling lead guitar. "It Must Be Love" continues the upbeat opening sequence. Swaggering guitars are set against a lush chorus and Katriona Gilmore's sweet fiddle. Gilmore's fiddle also sings in a very lush Country "Fallin' Out". Chris Smither's "Hundred Dollar Valentine" features some characterful finger picking and a perfect duet from Sunjay and another vocalist. Dorset Burnette's classic "It's Late" is a retro delight with a punchy intro and a more of those wonderfully layered vocals.
Again there is balance between retro poppy vocals and some feisty playing ( this time piano and Hammond organ). At just over two minutes "Do You Know What I Mean" couldn't be more period if it started with needle crackle and the clicking of the jukebox selector's arm. Sharpest so far is the punchy take on Jimmy Reed's "Take Out Some Insurance". Sunjay's vocal is a 'less is more' soft blues triumph, as are the subtle accented touches of electric guitar and Hammond. With a distinctive tempo and a homage vocal "Love's Made A Fool Of You" is another atmospheric success.
Stand out, even after the previous triumphs, are the hypnotic guitars and Lee Southall's harmonica on a break neck "Never Fall In Love Again". Like the Chris Smither track "Killing The Blues" and Townes Van Zandt's "If I Needed You" are slow, reflective stunners. Even against the Robert Plant Alison Krauss version of "Killing The Blues", Sunjay's slightly Willie Nelsonesque vocal is captivating. Sunjay and Josh Clark's production leaves space around the instruments and the impeccably layered vocals. "Who Do You Love" with a hot guitar and a purred growl vocal brings the heat back up as Sunjay and band breathe life into another absolute classic.
The singer guitarist dials up the rock n roll swagger on Lyle Lovett's "My Baby Don't Tolerate" delivering another vocal and guitar top drawer performance. Closer "45 Years" is a 60s Folk masterclass with subtle percussion and a sensitive vocal.
If you already enjoyed Sunjay's inspired guitar and vocal warm music then this set of classic American music with its confident vocals, fine guitar and incredible band arrangements will be a welcome delight. If he is a new name, and you have been drawn here by the selection of classic songs then prepare to be captivated and enjoy digging back through the earlier albums. I loved the Folk Blues edge of Sunjay's 2024 Chris Smither love letter, but SPLIT THE SHEETS is next level. Choosing only track to attach to this review is going to be a challenge, you are strongly advised to check out the whole album
Marc Higgins
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Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Pirate is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
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