The smooth sounds of Morning Ritual are the latest efforts from Portland composer and songwriter Ben Darwish. The second album of this project, titled The Clear Blue Pearl, takes things through a slow jazzy turn that is accompanied by eloquently folk vocals. The album is a collaboration with local bluegrass sister super duo, Shook Twins, and the vocal harmonies ring out in each track. Most of the songs are based around the piano grooves by Darwish and back-boned by walking stand up bass lines to compel the jazz elements within their tone. This album stretches across many platforms and genres and really brings something new to the Portland scene. Undertones of R&B and indie rock are prevalent throughout. Fortunately you have the opportunity to hear these elements as The Clear Blue Pearl is being celebrated with an album release party this Thursday at Doug Fir. – Colin Hudson
