Wildflow records and Independent Appalachian singer songwriter Anthony W Rogers announces the release of Rogers\u2019 fifth solo album, \u201cHigh Five.\u201d Recorded again independently in the West Virginia hills, \u201cHigh Five\u201d features Rogers on a multitude of instruments and vocals on ten new original tracks with longtime collaborator multi-instrumentalist\/vocalist Bart Lay, saxophonist Rich Norwood, percussionist Steve Heare as well as regular contributions from his two children Blake and Joe Rogers and family friend and Indian royalty, violinist Sajaad Bodine. Recorded over the past two years following up on the last 2021 release under the alternate name \u201cbabyflow \u2013 oblivious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI just keep moving. This one is less of a group thing, more singular or personal, I guess.\u201d says Rogers \u201cI\u2019ll probably get back to that a little more the next time out. Actually, I know so, we\u2019ve already started\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In keeping with past Wildflow tradition, \u201cHigh Five\u201d is again very stylistically diverse and highlighted by the side one ending epic tale \u201cKensington\u201d propelled by heartbeat like tom tom about a Western PA truck driver who escaped the addiction of life on the Philly streets only to be tragically lured back down again decades post recovery by thoughts of \u201cthat first time.\u201d The middle of Side B contains the epic and tragic \u201cSlava Ukraini\u201d addressing the war waged upon its citizens and their once normal way of life-all for seemingly no purpose at all. An English translation of their national anthem – it is a shocking reminder as to how close we all are. \u201cThe springtime melts away the snow. So shall melt away the foe\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other eight tracks run the gamut from the mission statement guitar-oriented pop opener \u201cWhether You Get Me\u201d to the reverb ghost laden dance with the spirits on \u201cThe Sky King of Georgetown.\u201d Rogers says \u201cI\u2019ve tried to tone down the ratio of backgrounds to the leads and maybe bring them upfront a tad on this one. That will likely change on the next one. All of the songs on this one are equally important to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI limited the political to a Krautrock\/Dinger\/MES-The Fall like rant about the idiocy of this new right wing buzzword \u201cwoke.\u201d Rogers says \u201cThey\u2019re basically training you to be conquered. All time dumb dumb.\u201d \u201cMissed It\u201d is a bird-like flighty jazzy almost scat-like vamp. Lyrically, it\u2019s \u201cat least partially about a \u2018high school killer on a YouTube program,\u201d says Rogers. Side A of \u201cHigh Five\u201d adds a slow spooky vibe with an icy ride through the cold seas on \u201cSlow Boat Ride\u201d chronicling a lifetime of mental struggles against the hopeless sea to the point is reached where right and wrong are not easily discerned. \u201cFrog Eyes\u201d is a \u201clittle quirky three part vignette about a French custom steel kitchen appliance maker\u2019s waking dream about the futility and foolishness of him trying to manipulate the real world as he watches the tide turn away,\u201d says Rogers. \u201cBetter to spend your time handling it as Michael Singer would say.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHigh Five\u201d stops to celebrate the great state of \u201cWest Virginia\u201d – particularly the eastern panhandle residents-the access (duck in duck out) and special relationship they have with the DMV. The album closer is the part delicate but part rocking \u201cNot Waiting\u201d – an almost Marvin Gaye \u201cAfter The Dance\u201d-ish styled album closer feel-wise. Lyrically, a small lament against the disrespect of waiting for anything, the track reiterates and projects the DIY themes expressed on \u201cAll Saints\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really feel like we\u2019ve made progress this time out. We seek to keep moving in that direction,\u201d promises Rogers. \u201cThis is album number 5 and we\u2019re obviously high on it\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In keeping with all Wildflow releases, \u201cHigh Five\u201d is available in limited edition vinyl of 250 and on all digital and streaming services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To purchase:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple music: https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/artist\/anthony-w-rogers\/1438451369<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Amazon: https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0BYQ6C49M\/<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Spotify: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/album\/79HUjCbr17LcjkQMGoxXSZ<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n