Slowing Down Time : Lord Baldwin 's " Left To His Own Devices"

The husband of a very dear friend of mine just put out his 2014 double album " Left To His Own Devices". I have known Diane and her husband Chester for 20 years now, my son was just two when we met. Chester and Diane Baldwin are a very unique couple who raised ten children with a love and devotion that is truly inspiring. Chester taught himself music and plays the piano, guitar, harmonica just beautifully, always recalling the best of his generation : Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits. He writes all his own songs and does all the instrumentation on his music albums. " Left To His Own Devices " is his most recent album ,a double album Chester finished in December 2014. I first listened to it in my car, as I spend quite a lot of time there these days, and I felt myself wrapped in the warmth of the melodies and stories of the well thought out ballads. As I listened I felt time slowing down, it was a wonderful feeling. I have often thought Chester's music is a reminder about everything that is right with this country, not in circumstance, but in spirit. I always feel better about life and its inevitable ups and down after listening to Chester's songs. In this double album, his voice is very warm and confident, like a well seasoned rich meal, the songs are super well balanced vocally, poetically and instrumentally. The songs are a testimony to his devotion to his family, especially to his soul mate, Diane, his wife of over forty years now. With candor and tenderness he bears witness to his love for her, and her love for him in a sincere way that is very reassuring in this stressed and selfish world. The songs are the best of what American ballads have to offer : a healthy dose of scepticism as to the sincerity of politicians and the powers that be, a love for family and spiritual strength, a concern for the future of the planet, a reflective and philosophical mind set that is seasoned well with optimism amid the concerns and doubts. It is a beautiful piece of art, full of humanity and warmth. Chester is truly talented, and is a delight when he cuts loose on a harmonica or guitar or piano solo. I was feeling a little pessimistic about the world and its cynical endeavours lately. Listening to " Left To His Own Devices " is just the medicine the doctor ordered. Another cool thing about Chester's music albums, is that he makes and designs also all his own album covers, and in this double album, neatly tucked inside like a great letter, are the words to all 36 songs! One of the songs is a stunning instrumental called " Heretic ". The double album is divided in two parts, one part called " Zeroes and Ones", which is more introspective, and the second part, " Future of Humanity ", which is more outward directed. Chester Baldwin's album inspires decency, humility, hope, kindness, all those things our lives and world need so very much. Do yourself a favour, open your heart, mind, ears and soul, and go get " Left To His Own Devices". He has a website : www.lordbaldwin.com. You are in for a treat, and if you are having a bad day, you will surely feel better after listening to songs like " Ain't We A Pair ", " You Are My Happy Thought ", " Just Right For Me ", " A Charity Man ", " Angel's Come Home To Rest ", " Love Is ". I have never been more impressed with Chester as a musician, poet and human being as I am in this his most impressive achievement yet. Songs that reflect upon some of the persistent problems of humanity, like " The Face Of Poverty ", " Future Of Humanity ", " Lot of Crazy Going Around", are a nice balance to the more idyllic love songs. This double album is truly well crafted.