By Ian Bremner

The exclamation point after the album title Excelsior! is intentional. The entire 10-track collection is intentional. Johanna Samuels‘ record Excelsior! may be an ode to her grandfather, but it is a gift to the rest of us. It’s a lesson in empathy and kindness and being comfortable with oneself.

The album was recorded in upstate New York in Sam Evian’s new cabin studio. The sounds are sparse but pack an emotional punch. Every song tells a different story, stories with a purpose. Not all stories have a happy ending, but that’s all part of the path. Excelsior is a reminder to keep moving onward and upward… excelsior!

Excelsior! is out on Mama Bird Records. Buy/Listen ->