Dog Eared Days is the fifth album from finger-style acoustic guitarist James Filkins and is a collection of thirteen original guitar-based pieces that include four solos, as well as duets, trios and one quartet with an impressive group of instrumentalists. Mixed by Grammy® Award-winning producer Corin Nelsen, the album is an attempt to capture halcyon moments - the kind that are indelibly stamped on a life’s journey. All of the tracks are very smooth and soothing, providing a brief and very welcome respite from the stress and frustration of today’s world. Filkins’ music has been described as “an unfettered fresh water breeze for the ears” as well as “a slow sip of cappuccino at sunrise” and “a reflection of wind on water”; all of that feels very accurate to me. It’s an album that fits beautifully into the background, but that also reveals new facets each time you listen with full attention. It is worth mentioning that the cover artwork is a picture of James’ beloved dog, Mojo, “a constant, enthusiastic companion and presence in our day-to-day existence for over 15 years, but far too short a time…” I can relate!

Dog Eared Days begins with “A Place in the Sun,” a guitar duet with Stephan Wake on lead guitar. Smooth and unhurried, this is indeed a very comfortable place to relax as well as a great start to the album! “Gratitude” is a guitar solo that flows freely and from the heart. I was surprised to find a track titled “House Cleaning,” but anything can become art with the right attitude and mindset! This one is a trio for guitar, violin (Sav Madigan) and cello (Katie Larson) - a fascinating combination of instruments playing a compelling and somewhat mysterious piece. “Cat Head Bay” is a favorite and features guitar as well as whistles and accordion (Zak Leger). The whistles give the piece a Celtic feeling that runs throughout the piece. The title track is a duet with the always-excellent Michael Manring on fretless bass and Ebow - also a favorite. “Rose and Hummingbird” a presents a rather unusual combination with acoustic baritone guitar (Filkins), flute (Luis Vilca) and percussion (Jeff Haynes). The flute beautifully describes the movement of a hummingbird stopping to gather some nectar and then flittering off to the next flower. I really like this one, too! “Joie De Vivre” is duet with Tommy Berre on nylon string guitar that expresses a deep inner peace that lasts rather than the giddy joy of dancing on a cloud. “Witch Hazel” is a light yet introspective solo. “Cardinal Serenade,” a duet for guitar and harp (Alice Roberts), is another fascinating and gently soothing combination of instruments. The album comes to a warm and uplifting end with “Arboreal Glen,” a duet for guitar and whistle played by Aaron Dolan, an artist from County Cork, Ireland who gives the music a very Celtic sound.

This is the kind of album that you’ll want to go back to whenever you need some soulful music to get lost in! Dog Eared Days is available to stream and download from Bandcamp, Amazon, and Apple Music/iTunes as well as from many streaming services including Spotify and Pandora. I give it both thumbs up!