Hudson's Fall Harbor –- the duo of vocalist-accordionist C. Ryder Cooley and vocalist-banjoist Todd Chandler -– held their CD release party at Dennis Herbert’s Folk Art Gallery in Hudson last Sunday, and Nippertown! reviews the show that included bassist Pete Toigo and drummer Otto Hauser:

The rhythm section was never obtrusive during the performance, but rather allowed Cooley and Chandler to focus more on their vocals without having to carry the whole musical load of the songs as well. The music remains sometimes aching intimate in a strange and wonderful minor-key kind of way. With a beautiful view of the Hudson River behind them, the musicians nestled into their chairs amidst Herbert’s fascinating sculpture garden as several dozen invited guests, friends, family members and fans looked on. During the twilight concert, the sun slowly set behind the musicians, reinforcing the themes of nature that permeate Fall Harbor’s deceptively simple-sounding folk odes. Cooley and Chandler alternated lead vocal chores, each one weaving in and around the melodies when relegated to back-up vocals. Rob Caldwell (of Musica in Hudson) joined in, playing acoustic guitar on one song, and Cooley played musical saw on several selections, adding a magnificently eerie aspect to such songs as “Crow Carnival” and the show closing “Dark River.” And Lady Moon also chimed in with a solo autoharp song to wrap up the luxurious evening.

C. Ryder Cooley of Fall Harbor performs with no admission fee at 6 p.m., Saturday, July 31 in Henry Hudson Waterfront Park in Hudson with Yukari Rosa and Bella’s Bartok. Read the entire review at Nippertown! Photo from Nippertown!