Love and loss along with the trials and tribulations are all reoccurring themes on the new release ‘The Waiting’. Chris Beland sings, writes and performs straight from the heart with personal accounts being reimagined on the new EP. Chris Beland weaves through this 4-song set with such elegance and simplicity and so now ‘The Waiting’ is over.
Chris Beland draws his inspiration from many areas and one such area would be when he was a hospice musician in 2023. That same year, Beland played a Kenny Loggins tribute show and that is when Santa Barbara Records reached out to Chris. The record label wanted Chris Beland to record an EP, so Beland sent 50 songs for approval. Producer/guitarist Tariqh Akoni (David Foster, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin) chose four of the tracks for ‘The Waiting’. Tariqh Akoni then added some heavy hitters in the music business to fully complete the sound. These players are bassist Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, Toto, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Linda Rondstadt), drummer Curt Bisquera (Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Elton John), pedal steel player Rich Hinman (St. Vincent, Sara Bareilles, Rosanne Cash), and percussionist Ramon Yslas (Chicago, JD Souther). All of these fine musicians played their parts remotely, but the full band effect is alive & well on ‘The Waiting’.
Prepare to catch a “Thief in the Crowd” as Chris Beland opens it up with sweet guitar strumming and striking vocals. “Thief in the Crowd” offers an appealing sound and golden melody that will put listeners at ease. The lyrics on “Thief in the Crowd” will grab you with lines like “I’m not afraid of what the future holds as long as I’m holding you.” Next is the title track, “The Waiting”, where Beland’s distinct voice and guitar playing will pull you in from the start. The emotionally-charged lyrics on “The Waiting” will make you stop and think just how precious life is. Prepare for soothing strings and promising notes on “Tear Apart This Town”. Chris Beland hits on all levels with one powerhouse delivery on “Tear Apart This Town”. Beland has a special quality about him, as an artist, because he is able to keep the listener engaged the whole time. We end with a fantastic finish on “Don’t Curse Your Branches” where Chris brings it on home with style and grace. Beland provides a stellar set on “Don’t Curse Your Branches” and he is connecting with the audience in a major way.
With elements of older rock and a radio-friendly tone, Chris Beland has a welcoming presence and a certain likability factor. Digging deep into the consciousness of oneself, Chris Beland assures us that ‘The Waiting’ can be good, bad and everything else in between. The various layers of life and the human spirit are what Chris Beland is tackling here and I have to say in brilliant fashion. Chris Beland is a genuine artist that speaks from the heart and is not afraid to be vulnerable. These four tracks on ‘The Waiting’ are real gems and honestly, I would personally love to hear the other songs that were sent to Santa Barbara Records. Chris Beland is a true talent and one to watch out for because I sense BIG things for this singer/songwriter in the near future.
In the meantime, enjoy ‘The Waiting’ in all its glory and be sure to SKOPE out the official music video for “The Waiting” right here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_P5XWfhauQ
https://www.chrisbelandmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ChrisBelandMusic/
https://www.instagram.com/chrisbelandmusic/
https://chrisbeland.bandcamp.com/
https://santabarbararecords.com
By Jimmy Rae
