Carolyn Shulman's debut release, Grenadine & Kerosene, is the realization of a lifelong dream to record a full-length album of original songs. Produced by John McVey of Cinder Sound Studios in Longmont, Colorado, this collection of songs spans a wide variety of sounds and influences, ranging from rocking Americana to sweet, folky love songs
Carolyn Shulman's debut release, Grenadine & Kerosene, is the realization of a lifelong dream to record a full-length album of original songs. Produced by John McVey of Cinder Sound Studios in Longmont, Colorado, this collection of songs spans a wide variety of sounds and influences, ranging from rocking Americana to sweet, folky love songs and quiet, introspective pieces that offer the listener a window into intimate moments.
McVey and Shulman brought in a full band of seasoned musicians for this project. Among them were guitarist Michael O’Connor, drummer Christian Teele, Kramer Kelling and Chris Engleman on bass, Eric Moon on keys, fiddler Natalie Rae Padilla, Glenn Taylor on pedal steel, and Greg Schochet on mandolin. Background vocalists included fellow Colorado-based folk singer-songwriters Edie Carey, Megan Burtt, Jen Hitt, Jen Morrison, and McVey.
The album’s highlights include the title track’s classic folk-rock sounds, followed by “Double Stars,” a sweet love song using a binary star system as a relationship metaphor; a contemplative piece about changing relationships called “Let It Go,” featuring Edie Carey’s rich, emotive harmonies; a guitar-centric folk-rocker called “Matter of Time;” the powerful “Across the Borderline,” which tells the heartbreaking story of a refugee traversing the desert with her children; “I Don’t Miss You,” a raucous country send-off to an ex; and a song about physical and spiritual healing called “Broken Wing,” representing a gospel-inspired musical nod to Shulman’s southern roots.
Grenadine & Kerosene was released on May 21, 2021 to positive reviews and landed on the Folk Radio Charts within ten days of its release. The following month, the album reached #22 on the Folk Radio Charts, and Carolyn ranked among the top 30 artists played on folk radio for June 2021.
The album is, as its title suggests, a mixture of refined sweetness and raw emotion, packing a punch that is powerful and satisfying.