I tend to enjoy my Americana music particularly in its organic form. Nothing beats acoustic guitars, fiddles and even a rollicking electric guitar. Eilen Jewell splits her records between more traditional country-folk and a stylized lounge sound. The lounge sound includes smoky guitars and even a clarinet. While her voice is certainly suited for this type of music, I’m a bit slow to warm to it.
But the out and out country, the folk and Jerry Miller on guitar were a tight band.”Home to Me” feature Miller and left behind the lounge quality. It was a country shuffle that allowed Jewell’s voice to shine. “Santa Fe” was a slow country song that managed to keep the depths of the country sound and balance it with a electric guitar line. “Sea of Tears” keeps in line with the Americana vibe.
Those deeply affectly country tunes are balanced with the lounge sound that undermines the meaning. “Queen of the Minor Key” is a stylized jazz vocal number with a shuffling beat. It moves at a fast pace yet seems to lack the cohension lyrically of Jewell’s earlier songs. “Bang Bang Bang” is another story song with a similar flippant song. It’s the story of cupid and Eilen explained it in a similarly humorous way. Perhaps I’m not the right audience to appreciate this type of song. I can’t comment on any lack of musicianship, but the depth of the meaning is different than the first folkier songs. “High Shelf Booze” suffers from.
The songs sound like 20s or 30s New York cinema. Engaging and interesting in their devotion to style. Yet not as emotional as her unadorned tunes. I’d love to see her play acoustic and let the songs stand on their own.
Sarah Borges managed to rock out on her acoustic guitar. She seemed a bit uncomfortable without her band. Yet the songs didn’t suffer at all for it. “Ring in the Shape of a Heart” rocked just as hard without the boys. She’s always worth the trip.
- Photos by Suzanne McMahon
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.