Originally from Vermont, Sam Amidon (or Samamidon) is the son of a large musical family that seems to be making a name for itself. He has recorded five albums with his band Assembly, contributed to Doveman and Stars Like Fleas, and after Assembly's disassembly, began a solo endeavor built on traditional folk songs, either popular or those buried by time, which he plays straight or reinterprets with the aid of his counterparts. His second and newest album, All is Well, continues in this direction with help from composer Nico Muhly and Icelandic producer Valgeir Sigurosson, who also put out the record on his Bedroom Community label.
Although I can't honestly (yet) speak for his back catalogue or even all of the new album, the song "Saro" struck me as quite touching and heartfelt. The history involved in this song--where it came from, who wrote it, who it helped get by as times got really tough and food short--seems to be its emotional weight and centerpiece. Sam Amidon's performance of the song, and his backing crew, gives it the attention it deserves without any maudlin theatrics, only better amplifying the cry of trying to find a place for yourself through hardship.
Some other songs off of All is Well are available below.
