B-Side Guys

Magic often starts with a single spark. For Gina Sobel, that spark was “Try Again Tomorrow,” a song that brought together a dream team of musicians and sparked a larger vision. Released August 30, 2024, “Redbud” blooms into 23 minutes of music that redefines what folk can mean in our concrete-and-glass age.

The EP’s title track opens with Sobel’s flute dancing above Brandon Lane’s smooth bass lines and Joey Antico’s nimble drumming. The interplay between instruments creates a sense of conversation, as if city pigeons and forest birds had learned to harmonize. DJ Harrison’s production maintains perfect balance between organic and electronic elements, while Ian Dansey’s guitar work adds texture and depth.

“Florida Ave” emerged from what Sobel describes as “lo-fi tunes and Ellington changes,” but it becomes something entirely its own. Here, the band demonstrates their ability to honor multiple traditions while creating something fresh. Harrison’s keyboard work deserves special mention, his Grammy-nominated talents adding subtle complexity to what could have been a simple jam.

“Try Again Tomorrow,” the song that started it all, showcases Sobel’s gift for storytelling through both lyrics and melody. Her voice carries both warmth and wisdom, while her flute adds rich undertones that speak to her versatility as an instrumentalist.

“East Colorado” and “Canyons” form the EP’s emotional core, each track exploring the intersection of natural and urban landscapes. Lane’s bass work shines here, his Billboard experience evident in grooves that feel both sophisticated and immediately accessible.

The collection closes with “The In Between,” a fitting title for music that refuses to be boxed into traditional categories. Antico’s drumming provides the perfect foundation for Sobel’s adventurous saxophone work, while Dansey’s guitar bridges jazz and indie rock sensibilities.

What makes “Redbud” resonate is its honest exploration of contemporary folk music. Sobel understands that today’s folk aren’t just found in rolling hills and dusty plains – they’re hospital workers checking vital signs, servers balancing plates, office workers navigating corporate labyrinths. Her music speaks to these modern experiences while maintaining connection to deeper roots.

The production throughout feels both intimate and expansive, capturing the chemistry of musicians who know exactly when to support and when to soar. Harrison’s touch as producer proves particularly valuable, helping to craft a sound that honors both tradition and innovation.

Most importantly, “Redbud” never feels like an academic exercise in genre-blending. Each stylistic choice serves the music’s emotional core, creating something that feels both natural and necessary. The EP’s brevity works in its favor, offering a concentrated dose of creativity that leaves listeners eager for more.

For anyone interested in how folk music can evolve to reflect our current reality, “Redbud” is essential listening. Sobel and her collaborators have created something that acknowledges both where we’ve been and where we’re going – music for people who might plant tomatoes on their apartment balcony or find meditation moments on their morning commute.

As autumn settles in, “Redbud” arrives like a reminder that growth can happen anywhere, that beauty exists in both forest glades and city grids. It’s a testament to what can happen when the right musicians gather with open hearts and sharp skills, ready to follow wherever the music leads.