Diane Hubka & The Sun Canyon Band Album Review

Artist: Diane Hubka & The Sun Canyon Band

Album: Moon Over Larrabee

Released: 2025

Artist Website: https://suncanyonband.com/home

Diane Hubka & The Sun Canyon Band are an Americana outfit leaning more toward the folk and country side of the music versus the rock side of the genre.  They're a delightful throwback to the heyday of AM Radio in just about every way. It was a time when folk and rock artists were drenched in country influences. This is a band that would sit perfectly in the mix with Joni Mitchell, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot and even the early Clapton solo releases that featured cuts like Let It Grow and Promises. The very competent line up consists of Diane Hubka (vocals, guitar, bass), Rick Mayock (guitar, vocals), Joe Caccavo(bass, guitar, vocals)  and Irv "Skeeter G" Gershenz (drums vocals). 

Moon Over Larrabee is a 12 song set that clocks in at about 42 minutes and is a journey through Americana music with strong country leanings. It is the smooth west coast delivery of the vocals that makes the band sound more Laurel Canyon than classic Nashville. Although the songwriting straddles the two regions like a tightrope walker that could pitch it either way at any moment.

If I Needed You is a standout track that is sweet as sugar and a shining example of the classic early 70's popular soft rock artists finding their way into country influenced folk rock. More often than not, simplicity is the key to a great song and is most definitely the case with this cut. Three or four chords in the right hands with the right lyrics and the right vocal is enough to engage the listener. Short, very sweet and to the point. 

The title track Moon Over Larrabee has a beachy laid back vibe that feels like the music that inspired the softer side of yacht rock. It is similar to the artists that were the predecessors of Christopher Cross or Jimmy Buffet. One generation closer to the source of classic folk, but pushing the sounds that were brewing in Greenwich Village clubs toward the west coast artists that could be heard at The Troubadour before The Eagles blew it all open into mainstream pop. The presence of major 7th chords lends itself to being open to a bit more color in terms of melody, but also keeps it as smooth and mellow as intended. 

Lonely Nights is a pleasant track with a classic Texas Swing vibe that is executed impeccably. The slow shuffle isn't always easy to land with grace. It's a groove that only comes with maturity. Clearly the band has put the time into the patience it requires to deliver the goods. It is the attention to the subtleties on this album that make it shine and this track is a great example of it, for those who are giving it a deep listen.  

Fans of the early to mid 70's commercially tinged acoustic artists will find a lot to like about this record. It is a tasty gumbo of everything that makes up what we now call Americana music.  The release is mature in every way. It is music written by adults for adults. Thankfully, not a hint of modern production or youthful pop sensibilities. Diane Hubka & The Sun Canyon Band are as relaxed and graceful as a house cat laying in the sunny spot of the room. I hope they find a well deserved audience for their music.