The Cumberland River Project – After The Rain (ft. Michelle Hoy) (2023)
One of the unique aspects of The Cumberland River Project is that it is a collective of musicians, not necessarily a single musician himself. The brainchild of German songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Frank Renfordt, The Cumberland River Project brings the best of various talented artists together in a melting pot of intriguing music. Featured on publications like Sinusoidal Music, Euphony Blog and FV Music Blog, as well as radio airtime from Nashville Radio Show, Belter Radio and Music Mafia Radio (to name but a few), The Cumberland River Project is turning heads across the globe.
At a young age, Renfordt discovered country music and began writing songs in the 80s/90s. In fact, his promising songs and poetic lyricism earned him a place in the semi-finals of the lyric competition by American Songwriter Magazine. He also found himself in the semi-final of the International Songwriting Contests; now, we have a chance to enjoy the master at work.
Following his well-received single ‘On A Nashville Night’, The Cumberland River Project released the song ‘After The Rain’. Keeping to his signature country style, ‘After The Rain’ has a toe-tapping vibe with soft guitars and drums leading listeners through a forest of sound. While a strong country vibe does exist, there is an Americana hint to ‘After The Rain’ with Manuel Trabucco’s saxophone inserting obscurity to the single. Don’t get me wrong Aaron Fabbrini (pedal steel), Simon Röll (drums) and Frank Renfordt (bass and guitars) certainly carry you along in the warm melody, but it is the saxophone that brings a punch to the song. I am particularly enthralled by the saxophone solo where Trabucco drags us back to the 80s in a twirl of jazz.
While Renfordt does sing lead vocals in some of his songs, he connects with musicians to take the lead when it comes to singing. ‘After The Rain’ features the powerful vocals of Michelle Hoy. Bold and confident, Hoy’s rich tones hit you in the chest (but in a good way). Yet, just as the vocals are powerful, there is a soothing softness bringing a wistfulness to ‘After The Rain’.
For more from The Cumberland River Project, check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
