With Salt River, Sam Amidon blends Appalachian folk roots with subtle electronics and jazz-inflected textures. With an unintrusive voice, he guides the listener through a set of ten tunes that reimagine traditional songs and rework unexpected covers.

From the gentle, hymn-like “Three Five” to a tender reshaping of Lou Reed’s “Big Sky”, each track feels rooted in tradition while opening doorways to something new and not quite expected. “Cusseta” begins in familiar folk territory before expanding into a sound world of pedals, saxophone, and deep, resonant bass textures.

Joined by multi-instrumentalist Sam Gendel and percussionist Philippe Melanson, Amidon creates arrangements that are both sparse and richly layered. “I’m on My Journey Home” and “Big Sky” explore space and texture with inventive vocal and instrumental layering, including quirky avant-garde effects.

In “Golden Willow Tree” we hear playful and unconventionally arranged percussion supporting a gentle, lilting melody that drifts slightly against the accompaniment.

Interpretations of Yoko Ono’s “Ask the Elephant” and Ornette Coleman’s “Friends and Neighbors” continue to reveal a playful, exploratory spirit that comes through with repeated listens.

Salt River is rooted yet innovative. A set of reimagined folk tunes with fresh perspective.

Salt River, the latest album by Sam Amidon, was released on 24 January 2025 via River Lea Records.
Listen or order it HERE