Critical Reviews of Songs Under a Cherry Tree

Songs Under the Cherry Tree is a captivating journey the first time you hear it, and it only improves with repeated listening. It’s an album of great variety, with each song having a unique style and sound, yet forming a cohesive whole. There are layers of sound here, and I heard something new each time I listened. The album manages to be both familiar and completely new; classic and fresh. I found myself thinking “I’ve heard this before,” and then seconds later thinking “I’ve never heard anything like this.” Highly recommended!

- Shana Aue (Library Archivist)

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In so many ways, this album is a tremendous achievement for Kelp Monkey. Composition, arrangement, harmonies, recording and production are all aligning to serve the message of each song and the album as a whole. More great work from two great guys. 
I’m particularly enjoying moving back and forth between speakers and headphones appreciating the depth and layering of musical elements. Marvelous technical fun and a splendid pursuit through lyrics that echo the discovery and growth you’ve experienced. Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring us to consider everything beyond ourselves. 💕

- Patrick Narron, (Professional Audio Engineer and Audiophile)

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Like a salty sweet bean cake with a glass of sharp cider in the shifting light of a bright and dark stormy sky, sitting on vividly green grass... 

Joy and sadness, time flying by. 

Impending doom. 

But also awareness. 

Kindness. 

Life unfolding. 

Redemption. 

Heart beat. 

Hope. 

Cosmos and humans... whirling... expanding 

Awe    wonder    ordinary miracles    tribal love"

- Emmeline Craig (Artist and Owner of the Blissful Studio in Stinson Beach)

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Sit under the cherry tree, and enter a soundscape that is rich and subtle, threaded by songs that hit life’s complications and frustrations like a nail on the head, and then round back to a celebration of love most tender. Jaycee Beaucage has a voice like  flexible glass, with power that glides effortlessly to 11 and beyond and a range that astonishes. Joe Morishige’s singing adds warmth to the mix. His guitar and keyboard playing, and merging of natural sounds into the mix, are gobsmackingly lovely. The combination of these two musicians is alchemical. Listen for yourself.

- Jackie Pascoe (Granny)