Water Stones is the sixth instrumental album by award-winning guitarist and composer Lynn Patrick. The twelve original tracks are a wonderful blend of folk, new age, contemporary instrumental, jazz and country stylings. I love music that doesn’t fit neatly into one specific category or genre and this album certainly fits that description! Instrumentation includes guitars (Lynn Patrick and Dave Beegle), mandolin (Silas Herman), upright and electric bass (Eric Thorin), violins (Sandra Wong and Enion Pelton), and percussion (Christian Teele) - an eclectic combination that is both soothing and energizing.

Quoting Lynn Patrick’s website, “Water Stones expresses the softening and wisdom that come from life challenges and also celebrates the joy of being alive and feeling healthy.” The title for the album was chosen as a metaphor for resilience and transformation. Quoting Lynn Patrick: “I wrote these songs to feel better. After the pandemic, losing several close friends, and facing cancer, I wanted to create something that brought more joy and beauty into the world.” No wonder the music feels so warm, open-hearted and uplifting!

Water Stones opens with “Surfing Lu Lu,” inspired by Lynn’s playful, high-energy cat. Guitar, mandolin, bass and percussion combine to express the fun of watching a pet with the “zoomies” (something I’m very familiar with!)! “Made Your Escape” was written after a therapy session and feels relaxed and soothing - like a load has been lifted. “When You Find What You’re Looking For” is also very bright and upbeat - musical sunshine! The light and relaxed “Breezy Sassafras” was written while “just being,” enjoying the hills of Colorado and thinking about the beach. “Unknown Changes” goes a bit darker and was written at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, reflecting the uncertainty of that difficult time. The title track was finished on the day Lynn’s mother passed away and expresses a variety of emotions - but especially love. A gentle energy and warmth run through “Love Is Here,” making it buoyant and up-lifting. “Homecoming” was inspired while sitting on Lynn’s mother’s porch in Florida with her sister, enjoying the landscape and reminiscing about their earlier lives. Shared memories give the piece feelings of joy and connection. “Finish Line” was composed while Lynn was going through chemotherapy. It begins at a fairly slow tempo, gradually getting faster as she starts to feel better. The piece has a charming country/folk feeling that expresses warmth and innocence. The album comes to a warm and happy close with “Guitar Dance.” Quoting Lynn: “While sitting and playing the guitar, my fingers started dancing and moving on the fretboard, creating this song.” An easy-going “ode to joy,” it’s a delightful close to a excellent guitar album!

Water Stones is available on CD from Lynn’s website and Amazon. It can be streamed or downloaded on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes, and is available on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Beautifully done!