By DOTTIE PARIS

Marty Thompson’s new album Romantic Stories started out with a little pink ukelele for his daughter on a European backpack trip. He never expected he would be writing an album on that ukelele, but after hearing the results maybe more people should try it too.

The songs are not ukelele simple, there was obviously plenty of arranging done after the 2015 trip was over and that’s likely why it took until 2018 to get the album out.

But it’s been worth the wait, as these are varied and individual tracks, each telling about life on the road, life in Europe on a backpacking trip, and, well, life in general.

The Texas native sure knows how to tell a story, whether it be through the tracks “Face of God We Climb,” which is reminiscent of Hot Tuna, or “Anymore,” which sounds like an early Orleans song.

Life is a wonderful adventure for Marty, and it shows. He has had some great inspiration through poetry and his friendships with virtuoso musicians, who have all left an indelible impression.

Marty Thompson plays guitars, bass, mandolin, piano, main and backing vocals, congas, bongos, triangle and makes field recordings.

Donna Bassham – Keyboards on “White Piano”
Drums & Horns by the wizards at StudioPros in Compton, Calif.
Produced by: Marty Thompson
Co-Produced by: Robb Hutzal
Recorded in: Texas, California, & Ginsling Austria
Cover Art by: J.T. Lucchesi / Home Team Graphics

Artist Name: Marty Thompson
Location: 1/2 Silverthorne, CO and 1/2 Midland, TX
Release Name: Romantic Stories
Release Date: May 23, 2018
Label: Independent

Track List:
1. A Thud
2. Devil’s Bridge
3. Face Of God We Climb
4. In The Monk’s Garden
5. Anymore
6. Wünderweg
7. Maxhütte Trail
8. White Piano
9. Romantic Stories
10. Lamplight Over Prague