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Trees Leave, The Gospel of Hurt, 2010 (Indie, Self Released)
Trees Leave is Wyatt Espalin (singer/fiddle) and Cobi Ferguson (guitar/mandolin/background vocals). The Gospel of Hurt is the duo's second record, and their style is firmly rooted in the Americana/Roots tradition but with a healthy infusion of southern college-alternative. The end result is a vibe that is refreshingly similar to seminal alt-country band The Jayhawks. Unlike their debut release Run, the seven songs on The Gospel of Hurt (produced by Mike Odmark) reflect a maturity in songwriting that is comparable to the best the Americana genre has to offer. Indeed, Trees Leave's recent CD release show at Nashville's legendary 3rd & Lindsley proved without a doubt that Espalin and Ferguson are ready for the big stage. Wyatt's vocals are reminiscent of top-rate alt-country singer Gary Louris, and the songs recall the best of the Jayhawks while infusing just enough heartbreak to recall roots legend Lucinda Williams. Wyatt's lyrics reflect the kind of pain that builds character, and the songs contain a kind of optimistic bitterness—if that's possible. Cobi Ferguson may soon be recognized as one of Nashville's best sidemen, delivering stellar in-the-pocket roots guitar, pitch perfect harmonies, and some Thile-esque mandolin playing. Americana may just be the toughest genre in which to make a name for yourself. But acts like Gary Louris, Lucinda Williams, Buddy Miller, and Alison Krauss prove every year that millions of people love this music and it will continue to flourish. That said, breakout Americana artists will continue to emerge, and this writer is putting his money on Trees Leave as the next breakout Americana act out of Nashville. — Vincent Wynne, March 2, 2010
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