[REVIEW] Ronald J. Fortenot : Black American Bard (Album)

 Ronald J. Fontenot ft. Tim Moyo - Black American Bard

Ronald J. Fontenot presents "Black American Bard," a compelling new album featuring 12 original tracks, with vocals by the talented Tim Moyo. Released on February 15, 2025, the album showcases Fontenot’s versatile composition style, blending elements of nature-inspired melodies, easy listening, and immersive fantasy themes with influences from medieval and Renaissance music.

Fontenot has been actively writing and composing music since 2013, crafting pieces that evoke vivid imagery and storytelling. His work often transports listeners across historical landscapes and mythic worlds, all while maintaining an accessible and melodic touch. With "Black American Bard," he continues this tradition, weaving rich instrumentation, evocative themes, and masterful songwriting into a collection that bridges the gap between classical influences and modern musical sensibilities.

This album promises to be a unique auditory journey, appealing to fans of fantasy soundtracks, folk-inspired ballads, and atmospheric storytelling. Stay tuned for the release and experience the musical storytelling of Ronald J. Fontenot and Tim Moyo firsthand.

Track 1: Fairytales

Opening the album with a sense of wonder and nostalgia, "Fairytales" is a gentle yet uplifting track that transports listeners into the world of childhood stories, magical characters, and whimsical adventures. The song captures the essence of classic storybook fantasy, evoking imagery of enchanted forests, noble knights, and mythical creatures.

The vocals are clear, warm, and expressive, drawing the listener into the song’s narrative with a storytelling quality that feels both inviting and immersive. Tim Moyo’s performance brings a sense of sincerity and magic, perfectly complementing the song’s theme.

Musically, the track embraces a medieval-inspired folk style, featuring a guitar that mimics the delicate tones of a lute, reinforcing the historical and fantastical elements of the composition. The gentle plucking of the strings and the soft, flowing melodies create an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional bardic music, as if one were sitting by a fire in a grand hall, listening to a traveling storyteller.

The instrumentation is carefully layered, adding depth to the song without overwhelming its delicate nature. Subtle percussion, light strings, and airy harmonies help to create a rich, immersive soundscape that enhances the theme of timeless storytelling.

"Fairytales" serves as a perfect introduction to the album, setting the stage for an auditory journey through fantasy, history, and emotion. With its soothing yet captivating energy, this track immediately draws the listener into Ronald J. Fontenot’s world, where music and mythology intertwine seamlessly.

Track 2: Lord of the Rings

"Lord of the Rings" presents a fresh, alternative take on the legendary story from J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic books and their film adaptations. Rather than retelling the well-known events in a traditional manner, the song offers a unique perspective from one of the characters, giving listeners a more personal and introspective look into the world of Middle-earth.

The instrumentation is centered around a beautifully played guitar, which sets the tone for the storytelling and evokes the grandeur and mysticism of the fantasy realm. The melody flows effortlessly, carrying the listener through the journey as if they were walking alongside the Fellowship. The high-quality production and expert mixing ensure that each element of the song stands out while maintaining a cohesive and immersive experience.

Through poetic lyrics and a well-crafted instrumental arrangement, this track captures the essence of adventure, struggle, and triumph that defines The Lord of the Rings. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the books and films or simply enjoy fantasy-inspired music, this song offers a fresh and engaging take on a beloved tale.

Track 3: Michael Jackson Tribute

At first, this track might feel out of place within the album’s medieval theme, but it cleverly reimagines the legacy of Michael Jackson as if told through an old-world bard’s tale. The storytelling transforms his life and impact into a mythic narrative, presenting his influence on music and culture as a legend passed down through generations.

The instrumentation stays true to the medieval-inspired sound heard throughout the album but introduces percussive elements that add a unique twist. The addition of drums brings a rhythmic drive that sets this track apart, blending historical storytelling with a modern musical tribute. This fresh perspective on Jackson’s legacy makes for an unexpected yet intriguing addition to the album, offering a creative fusion of past and present in both theme and sound.

Track 4: Peter Pan

This track takes listeners on a swashbuckling adventure, bringing to life the infamous Captain Hook from Peter Pan. Featuring a rich acoustic guitar arrangement, the song leans heavily into storytelling, painting vivid images of the legendary pirate and his encounters with Peter Pan and the Lost Boys.

A standout element of the track is the use of character voices woven throughout the song, adding layers of theatricality and immersion. These voices help to bring the characters to life, making the listener feel as though they are part of the unfolding story. Whether it’s Captain Hook’s commanding presence or the mischievous tones of Peter Pan, these vocal elements add depth and intrigue to the performance.

The instrumentation is lively yet balanced, allowing the narrative to take center stage while still maintaining a strong rhythmic foundation. The guitar work echoes the traditional folk and bardic styles, reinforcing the classic storytelling feel, while subtle percussive elements add movement and energy.

Although this is the shortest track on the album, the pacing is handled well, ensuring that the story is fully realized without feeling rushed or incomplete. Every moment is used effectively, allowing the listener to engage with the narrative and characters without losing the magic of the tale.

This track is both entertaining and engaging, capturing the spirit of classic adventure tales while showcasing strong vocal performances and compelling musical arrangements. It’s a memorable piece that immerses listeners in the timeless world of Neverland.

Track 5: Raise The Sails

"Raise the Sails" is a thrilling song that captures the spirit of adventure and exploration, immersing the listener in a world of treasure hunts, high seas, and daring quests. The storytelling is vivid, painting images of sailing into the unknown, searching for hidden riches, and embracing the excitement of discovery.

The production on this track feels particularly dynamic, with shifts in melody and instrumentation that reflect the twists and turns of the journey. These changes help to audibly convey the sense of adventure, danger, and triumph that comes with treasure hunting. The instrumentation, featuring swelling guitar lines and rhythmic elements reminiscent of ocean waves, enhances the song’s cinematic feel, making it easy to imagine a ship sailing through uncharted waters.

With its engaging storytelling, melodic variety, and immersive production, "Raise the Sails" stands out as one of the most adventurous and exciting tracks on the album.

Track 6: Renaissance Fair

"Renaissance Fair" captures the lively and festive atmosphere of a traditional renaissance fair, where history, storytelling, and music intertwine to create an immersive experience. The track embraces this celebratory spirit, painting a vivid picture of an event filled with entertainment, historical reenactments, and joyful performances. With its playful and upbeat style, the song transports the listener to a world of jesters, minstrels, and medieval merriment, embodying the essence of a fair dedicated to the past while keeping the energy light and engaging.

Track 7: Robin Hood

"Robin Hood" presents a classic bardic retelling of the legendary outlaw and his Merrie Men, staying true to the storytelling essence of the album. The instrumentation blends seamlessly with the narrative, featuring lively melodies and rich acoustic textures that enhance the song’s folk-inspired feel. The arrangement captures the adventurous and rebellious spirit of Robin Hood while maintaining the album’s signature medieval-inspired sound, making for an engaging and immersive listening experience.

Track 8: Storyland

"Storyland" feels like a natural continuation of "Fairytales," expanding on the theme by painting a vivid picture of the magical worlds found within classic storybooks. Rather than focusing solely on characters, this track takes listeners on a journey through the landscapes of fantasy, bringing to life enchanted forests, towering castles, and mystical realms. The song’s instrumentation enhances this sense of wonder, creating an immersive and imaginative listening experience that transports audiences into the heart of these legendary tales.

Track 9: Sword in the Stone

"Sword in the Stone" transports listeners into the heart of medieval legends, drawing inspiration from the myth of Excalibur and Arthurian lore. The song effectively captures the grandeur and mystery of the tale, painting a vivid picture of knights, destiny, and the fabled sword embedded in stone. The instrumentation complements the medieval theme, with lute-like guitar melodies and rhythmic percussion evoking the atmosphere of an ancient kingdom.

While the song leans into a repetitive structure, this repetition serves to reinforce the legend’s weight and significance, almost mirroring the perseverance required to pull the sword from the stone. The lyrics remain engaging throughout, ensuring that the listener stays immersed in the story’s unfolding drama. The combination of narrative-driven lyrics, evocative instrumentals, and a timeless theme makes this track a compelling addition to the album, celebrating the enduring power of myth and legend.

Track 10: The Fox and Bear

This track takes a refreshing turn from the familiar guitar and flute-driven sound heard throughout the album, shifting towards a more piano-focused arrangement. While the flute still makes occasional appearances, adding melodic flourishes, the piano takes center stage, offering a fresh dynamic to the storytelling. The singer’s vocal range is showcased beautifully, with soaring falsetto sections that contrast against the militaristic drum patterns introduced in the middle and towards the end of the track. This contrast adds depth and drama, enhancing the overall impact of the song.

Track 11: The Frog Prince

"The Frog Prince" offers a unique perspective by telling the classic "Princess and the Frog" story from the frog’s point of view. Unlike some of the more lyric-driven tracks on the album, this piece places a stronger emphasis on instrumentation and narration, allowing the music itself to guide the listener through the tale. The melodies and arrangements evolve alongside the story, creating a dynamic and immersive experience that brings the fairy tale to life through sound.

Track 12: The Young Forest Man

This track brings an exciting tale to life, featuring dragons, evil clans, formidable enemies, and the daring adventures of the Young Forest Man. The storytelling is vivid, immersing the listener in a world of fantasy and heroism. Compared to other tracks on the album, the instrumentation feels richer and more dynamic, with the addition of percussion, flute, and layered guitar melodies that create a cinematic atmosphere. The vocals flow seamlessly with the melodic elements, enhancing the dramatic storytelling and emphasizing the flute’s ethereal presence. This track stands out as a high-energy, adventurous moment on the album, capturing the essence of folklore and mythical tales.

The Album

The album Black American Bard is aptly named, as each track weaves together rich storytelling and historical themes, making it an engaging listen for both children and adults. With its blend of narrative-driven lyrics and immersive instrumentation, the album serves as a musical journey through folklore, history, and timeless tales, appealing to listeners of all ages.

Listen to Ronald J. Fontenot’s music here: https://open.spotify.com/album/33uHcxZXKt9vN6oK1toxao?si=PyZ9P38gSISNF2dJPR-9Dw 

and check out the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@RonaldJFontenotsMUSICChannel 

Written by Kole Cook

@Kolecookmusic