FOREST SUN Returns with ‘Stubborn Breathing Heart’ His 10th Album

January 5, 2021 by 1888media

Prolific songwriter Forest Sun kicked off 2021 with his 10th studio album, Stubborn Breathing Heart, a fully realized vision that swings gracefully from reggae to gospel to folk to blues and soul and back again.

Featured on Songpickr, Folk Alley and Gimme Country, the 12-song expedition delivers the introspective depth and playful, uplifting, soul-nourishing songwriting fans have come to expect. Made possible by supporters on Patreon, Sun released a new song every month this past year culminating in this new record.

Produced with Gawain Mathews (Mickey Hart Band, Ben Lee, Tony Furtado Band) at Mathews’ studio in San Pablo, CA, Stubborn Breathing Heart features special guest Hannah Meyers (from Nashville’s The Bittersweets) singing harmonies on the title track, and drummer Rob Hooper (Seth Walker, Carolyn Wonderland, Hot Buttered Rum).

On the collection’s sole cover, a spirited take on Chris Kenner’s 60s soul classic “Something You Got,” long-time collaborator, saxophonist Alex Budman (Mavis Staples, Elvis Costello, D’Angelo, Susan Tedeschi), paints the sky bright with his magnificent horn-work.

Sun’s effervescence represents a hopeful path forward.

After a 53-city tour in 2019, the unexpected solitude and time at home these past nine months allowed Forest to focus on songwriting and painting. His canvas collection, which includes the stunning “Moonlight Meeting,” has been shown at the Sala Lola Anglada in Barcelona, The Sebastopol Center for The Arts and the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art.

In December 2020, he released a 400-pg hard cover book of his collected works. Embossed ‘FOREST SUN ART‘, he recalls its genesis, “When I was in art school in Barcelona, I would grab a bocadillo de tortilla de patata or queso manchego at the break and then find a cozy corner in the library with a giant Rothko, Goya or El Greco book. Although there is nothing like seeing a painting in person to take in its full effect, I find there is something engaging about holding a career’s worth of work in your hand in book form. Slowly turning the pages. Watching the progression of ideas and styles and color and form over time.”

“Creativity is a refuge for me in turbulent times” he continues, “Music and art have been good friends when I needed them.” This new album will feel like an old friend. 

Stubborn Breathing Heart
Forest Sun – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Drums, Organ 
Ingrid Serban – Harmony Vocals 
Kelly McFarling – Harmony Vocals 
Megan Slankard – Harmony Vocals 
Hannah Meyers – Harmony Vocals 
Lara Louise – Harmony Vocals 
Rob Hooper – Drums 
Alex Budman – Saxophones and Horn Arrangement 
Adam Theis – Trombone 
Gawain Mathews – Harmony Vocals, Hammond Organ, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Mandolin, Electric Guitar, Slide Guitar, Resonator Guitar, Pedal Steel, Acoustic Guitar

“…a quiet joy in a raucous world.” – No Depression

“.. radiates a warmth that’s absolutely enticing.” Goldmine Magazine

“Sun’s music is timeless… as fine a singer/songwriter as is out there.” All Music Guide

” … stripped-back, slightly twangy evocative Americana set that is a delight from start to end.” Maverick Magazine (UK)

“… alt country, folk-rock jams, creating a hodgepodge of comparisons that ranged from Jack Johnson to Ryan Adams to David Gray. …even into Bob Dylan territory … a daunting place to tread, but pulled off with the grace of a musical veteran.”
Santa Barbara Independent

“Forest Sun’s indomitable spirit shines in ’Stubborn Breathing Heart’. This prolific artist once again creates a soulful and heartfelt album with a real and accessible understanding of the complexity of being human.” Noteworthy Music