Apologies to those also on "full fledged strangers" for the cross-post but
I know there has been some "talk" on the JMDL about the new Jonatha Brooke
album. My review:
Although I pre-ordered the CD and DVD of "Steady Pull" I only received the
CD in today's mail. A note promised the DVD will be delayed a bit. Maybe by
the time it gets here I will be a little more accustomed to the new album.
It's going to take me a while to feel comfortable with this one.
The album begins with "Linger," a bright tune featuring characteristic
Jonatha vocals. You know, dotted with all those little nuances she has
perfected. Some tasteful piano tracks are overshadowed by a droning
electric guitar, which may have been added to affect a more complex
arrangement but to me only detracts from this pleasant melody. "How Deep Is
Your Love," the next song, is quite a departure from standard Jonatha fare.
Underscored with a hip-hop type beat, far-away vocals processed through an
echo chamber/reverb unit, and the ever-present electro/techno
accompaniment, this is a far far cry from the folk days of "The Story." The
next track, "Walking," tries to rely on various studio electronica to
maintain a continuity but stumbles throughout. An uninspired vocal track
doesn't help either.
The album takes a turn for the better about halfway through. "Room in My
Heart" is a great song with a fascinating jazzy chordal progression, but
the addition of many electronic instrumental layers tosses in a measure of
disjointedness. Still, this is good stuff. The title track, "Steady Pull,"
features brilliant perfectly-on-pitch vocals and is the only song on the CD
with a memorable bridge. These bridges are one of Jo's trademarks. Think
back to "Because I Told You So." Or the song "10 Cent Wings." Sigh. Now
*those* are musical bridges!
"New Dress" sets a mood and builds up the drama. The production on this one
is much more finely crafted than some of the other songs on this album and
it shows. "Digging" is beautiful in its simplicity. The guitar parts are
slightly chaotic at times but only add to the overall presentation. This is
a fantastic song, given a wonderful treatment.
"I'll Take It From Here" is easily my favorite. A gorgeous flowing piece.
The producer finally allows the instruments to complement instead of clash
and overpower. The balance of Jo's vocals and this "less is more" approach
to the arrangement is masterful. Concluding the CD is "Lullaby," a haunting
acoustic ballad which is a stark contrast to much of what preceded it.
Jonatha expands her artistic horizon with each new album. A lot of my
admiration of her music is due to her uncompromising attitude and her quest
for growth as a singer and songwriter. It's usually a most pleasant
surprise to discover where she has gone each time. With "Steady Pull" I
feel the producer has been given too much reign and has relegated her
contributions to somewhere further down in the mix. By that I mean the
electronica layers have grown too big and detract from the clean yet
dissonant and complex presentation that is uniquely Jonatha Brooke. Give me
Duke Levine any day for a tasteful accompanist who skillfully augments the
songs with neat little riffs instead of banging away with barre chords.
Players like him who know their places, and who let Jonatha's talents shine
and stand on their own, should be coveted.
Scott
