Some artists have the innate ability to bring about this deep feeling of catharsis, of being in the experience they are sharing with their audience. Chester Baldwin, known as Lord Baldwin as his musician's name, is one such artist. His new album, that covers in lyrical soundbites, 40 songs over the period 1985 - 2001 - which means we have the years 2002 - 2024 to look forward to - that he titles "Fragments of the Invisible Songwriter's Heart" strikes a deep chord in my poet's heart, as a poet and artist who knows all too well how long and hard and merciless the road from invisibility to recognition can be. Chester's music is life affirming, with its warm vocals, its rich instrumentation, it's blend, so masterful, of personal journey and deeply compassionate expressions. Listening to this album, was a healing experience, and it allowed me to see my own wounds, and to allow myself tears, to let go of carefully hidden away sorrow, and to let these precious poems in song, wrought from life's agonies and joys, hopes and dreams, to reach me, to let them flow, like a healing river, through my heart and spirit, these songs that I know, have Chester heard perform with his family at home and whose message and wisdom and sincerity always reach their mark so flawlessly: the songs "A Working Man", "Two Dollars Short", "Blue With a Broken Heart", "You've Got to Believe", of disc 1, and "Carry You", "Leslie", "She Loves Me Anyway", "Invisible", and "Henry Hit Your Hammer" of disc 2.
In a world that seems to tear itself apart with cruelty, selfishness, brutality and greed, division and empty rhetoric and ideologies, the music of the Olympia bard Lord Baldwin, is a wonderful, sincere counterweight. Chester embraces life fully, as a kind human being and family man, and as a soulful, talented and generous artist. My day today received a rainbow, a light of hope, in a stressful moment. Listening to "Fragments of the Invisible Songwriter's Heart", made me believe with renewed calm and purpose, in the meaningful and urgent mission of art, of music, of the visions of poetry, of its dream and dreamers, to believe, and to work towards, bringing light, hope, kindness to those all around us, to believe that all acts of kindness matter, and music is a very positive and effective, and joyful way to unite our human family, far and wide, and to be mindful, of this deep truth, that credo of all artists and poets, and every kind human soul: what unites us, is and must always be, far greater than what divides us. Immerse yourself in this beautiful, warm musical experience that is this nostalgic and determinedly positive collection. You will be a better person for it, and whatever hurt is tugging at your heart or spirit, visible or invisible, will be soothed, will feel stronger, kinder, and energized to keep dreaming, keep reaching, keep believing in a better world.
Trudi Ralston
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