Label: Dakota Ridge Records
Interpreting
that kind of thought process or belief into sounds that please the mind, body,
and spirit has always fascinated me as a listener. That feeling and sense of
connection are quintessential reasons why I love instrumental music.
“Surfing Lu Lu” starts off with soft acoustic picking and tasty rhythms, set to a bright tempo. The sounds flow with a light ambiance, flavored with smooth jazz that floats seamlessly through the air. A lovely way to get you into your mental “comfy chair.”
“Made Your Escape” keeps the flow going with a different pace and layers of six-string beauty. The lead guitar blends pleasantly with the rhythm lines. Elements of jazz and new age music converge to create an inviting and positive atmosphere throughout the piece.
“When You Find What You’re Looking For” continues with uplifting sounds as the guitar and mandolin create a union that feels meant to be. The rhythms remain toe-tapping, and the consistent flow and approach of these compositions are simply a delight for the senses. Precision guitar lines enhance jazz and new-age inflections with perfection.
“Breezy Sassafras” feels like a soft breeze blowing over your face. Sailing on the ocean on a bright summer day came to mind. As you move through each track, you hear many genres merge into a cohesive sound. I heard blues (with the poignant guitar leads) and jazz on this track, with an underlying new-age approach.
“Unknown Changes” has a down-to-earth folk-country base, with subdued yet effective lead notes that are bright and perfectly placed between the rhythms. Although it seems unrelated to the track title, it summons up thoughts of riding across open plains as the sunset drops over the horizon, with the sound of a galloping horse in the background. Good music evokes these images in your mind’s eye.
“Water Stones” is soft and warm, flowing like a clear, running stream of consciousness. The acoustic picking is extraordinary and moving, like water over stones, leaving an impression over time and through consistency.
“Love Is Here” is the longest track at 4:14, which feels appropriate given its title. Coming from a place of the heart is the true nature of mankind. Here, music offers a new perspective on life and fosters gratitude for the loved ones in our lives. The rhythm layers are excellent, and the lead guitar fits in elegantly. Like brushstrokes on an empty canvas, the notes flow with ease, engaging the listener in a relaxed, introspective state.
“So Unexpected” maintains the main purpose of this music, with subtle and tasteful improvisation on the guitar strings, while the bass holds its place firmly, providing a strong foundation for the other elements to stretch out and capture your imagination. Beautifully executed.
“Homecoming” has a positive connotation, and here the mandolin returns to add a distinct flavor that only this instrument can offer. At 2:45, one of the shorter tracks accomplishes everything it needs within that time frame. Stringed instruments can be soft and inviting yet burn with passion regardless of volume.
“Finish Line” has a clear country timbre, with the violin playing its part and the guitar and mandolin exchanging pleasantries. The track moves briskly while still inviting relaxation. The gentle touch is the hallmark of this music, and that is what anyone who appreciates good instrumental music will recognize.
“Labyrinth Sun” is a lovely acoustic guitar instrumental that brings total focus to that one instrument and the artist’s complete command of it. This is the epitome of folk acoustic heaven.
“Guitar Dance” completes this instrumental cruise across the strings. At 2:16, its brevity offers one last glimpse of how impactful an instrument can be, regardless of how long it is played. The composition is compact and serves as an effective way to close things out.
Water Stones showcases Lynn Patrick’s diverse picking style on acoustic guitar and her ability to punctuate strong, resonant leads between and over the rhythms. I seldom get the opportunity to hear guitar instrumentals like this, and I enjoyed each track greatly.
Credits:
Lynn
Patrick – Guitars, Producer, Recording & Editing
Dave
Beegle – Lead Guitar, Mixing
Silas
Herman – Mandolin
Eric
Thorin – Upright & Electric Bass
Sandra
Wong – Violin
Enion
Pelton – Guest Violin
Christian
Teele – Percussion
Tracks:
01. Surfing Lu Lu [3:03]
02. Made Your Escape [2:49]
03. When You Find What You’re Looking For [3:19]
04. Breezy Sassafras [3:54]
05. Unknown Changes [3:37]
06. Water Stones [2:55]
07. Love Is Here [4:14]
08. So Unexpected [4:09]
09. Homecoming [2:45]
10. Finish Line [3:28]
11. Labyrinth Sun [3:01]
12. Guitar Dance [2:16]
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder
January 7, 2026
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