Dear Friend - CD (2023)

“...a tender and quietly beguiling affirmation of love, friendship and human contact across the years and the miles."
- Folk Radio UK

Dear Friend, released in 2023, is the duo’s fourth album overall, and their first to feature all original songs, as well as their first full-length release after moving to Atlantic Canada and adjusting to new parenthood, a new city, and a global pandemic. The 11-song album was recorded with engineer Graeme Campbell between lockdowns and daycare pick-ups. The album features accompaniment and co-writing from a number of Atlantic Canadian favourites, including jazz bassist Patrick Reid, harpist Ellen Gibling, and songwriters Terra Spencer and Dave Gunning. The band's penchant for bluegrass is satisfied with guest appearances from Nashville's Ethan Jodziewicz (Milk Carton Kids, Sierra Hull) on bass, Kaitlyn Raitz on cello, and fiddler Ben Plotnick (The Fretless).

Throughout the album, the duo finds the threads of light that weave throughout – many of their songs offer bittersweet but hopeful narratives, combining poetic lyrics, fresh metaphors, scene-setting details, and clever turns of phrase. Stylistically, The Bombadils’ music offers dynamic arrangements and adventurous instrumental passages; Frank’s soprano and dazzling fiddle playing combine with Fraser’s soulful singing and prowess as an accompanist and dynamic soloist on guitar and mandolin. “Losing Track of Time" celebrates connection and cherishing the sweet moments in life where the stars align, " while “Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming,” is about holding onto beauty in the small things, finding rest in it, wondering where it comes from, and hoping it's not all a dream.

"...they end up making some of the prettiest music you’ll likely hear this year."
- Americana Highways

“…picturesque songwriting and instrumentation."
- PopMatters

Released January 13, 2023

Produced by Graeme Campbell, Sarah Frank, and Luke Fraser

Recorded by Graeme Campbell in Halifax, NS, Canada from April 2021-June 2022
*except for bass played by Ethan Jodziewicz, and strings played by Kaitlyn Raitz and Ben Plotnick, which were self-recorded in their respective home studios in Nashville, USA

Mixed by Graeme Campbell
Mastered by J. LaPointe at Archive Mastering
Album art and design by Bee Stanton
Postage stamp and postmark design by Linda
Cover art for singles by Veronica Chih Ming Frank (tracks 1, 2, and 4)

Heartfelt thanks to:
Felicity Frank Fraser, the Kams, the VanSlykes, the Marmens, Leaf Music, Gang of Hearts songwriter group, Janice Jackson, Cari Cole, Adam Hurt, Jayme Stone, James Perrella, Julia Graff, Dave Reid, Gabriella Ciurcovich, Geof and Celene Lyon, all our friends and family, and our generous community of music lovers

We acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters, the Government of Canada, Music Nova Scotia Investment Program, and The Province of Nova Scotia.