Alt-folk singer-songwriter Al Shalliker is proud to present his second solo album, The Diamond Hill, a deeply moving collection of songs that highlight his soulful vocals, authentic storytelling, and signature acoustic style. Building on his decades-long career as the lead songwriter for the acclaimed band Watershed, Al continues to evolve as a solo artist, delivering an album that is both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.
The album opens with the stirring lead single “Six White Horses,” a poignant tribute to past generations and mentors. Shalliker’s gentle, soothing vocals float effortlessly over gently crafted acoustic arrangements, creating an emotionally resonant introduction that sets the tone for the entire album. The song’s intimate delivery and thoughtful lyricism demonstrate why Shalliker remains a compelling voice in the contemporary folk scene.
As the album progresses, tracks like “Time Out of Mind” maintain momentum with subtle vocal variations blending folk, acoustic, and country influences into a cohesive sound that feels fresh and familiar. “Nothing Moves Gently” also introduces a slight swing that adds welcome variety to the project’s pacing, while maintaining the album’s cohesive acoustic foundation.
The Diamond Hill also features contributions from longtime collaborators Tony Davies on bass guitar and Alex McGinnes on harmonica, adding layers of depth and texture to the project. While the album revisits a couple of reimagined tracks from Al’s time with Watershed, the majority of the material is brand-new, offering listeners a fresh perspective on Al’s artistry.
Having spent over 20 years with Watershed– a band that evolved from reggae and soul influences to folk-rock over their impressive 20-year run, this album represents a natural progression. The songwriting that gave Watershed its distinctive sound through albums like ‘Moves’ (1995), ‘Strange Days and Dynamite’ (2002), and ‘The Eyes of Eli Wallach’ (2006) has matured beautifully in this solo context.
‘The Diamond Hill’ stands as a testament to Shalliker’s enduring artistry, successfully bridging his folk roots with contemporary sensibilities. It’s a collection that feels both timeless and timely, proving that authentic, well-crafted folk music still has a place in 2024’s musical landscape.
Fans of thoughtful, acoustic-driven folk will find much to appreciate in this carefully constructed album. Al Shalliker poured genuine emotion and creativity into each track, resulting in a work that feels both personal and universal – a difficult balance that he strikes with apparent ease.
The Diamond Hill is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Stream Below: open.spotify.com/album/3Hz2j
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Instagram:@alshalliker1 | Facebook:al.shalliker
