American Cloud Songs – “Aum” – [Dais]

Robert Ryan is the creative force behind this outfit. His stunning artistry on the album cover gives you an inkling of what he’s capable of depicting with tattoos, while the mesmerizing songs he’s written tap into his connection to spirituality. A3 is a Hindu mantra (lyrics printed on insert). Much of this is drone, gentle and lovely, characterized by guitar, dulcimer, flute, strings, horns, and percussion. A4 is flowingly pretty. Daniel Carter is among the talented crew joining Ryan in his folk artistry.