Bonnie & Taylor Sims – Self-titled
This set of 8 songs from Bonnie & Taylor Sims is a clever collaboration of light-hearted songs that are well-thought-out with airy melodies. The set starts with “Cigarette,” a delightful little tune with little fanfare but a well-arranged song triggered by a hard-edged lead guitar with deep notes framed in acoustic picking – a nice contrast.
Bonnie’s voice has a restrained strength because it sounds like she could let loose but holds back for effect. Her style is distinctive though & not as rough-edged as Lucinda William’s but with that same lived-in tonality. Bonnie’s voice has a little more honey in it & her vocalizing style makes it quite interesting.
The two artists are Texas natives who have mastered the art of infectious melodies because on “The Devil & the Deep Blue Sea,” the tune activates like an Alka-Seltzer in cold water. It just bubbles with a straightforward beat, chiming guitars & Bonnie’s delicious vocals. This is a keeper. Wonderful performance.
The self-titled album (Drops Sept 15–Independent) was wholly created by Bonnie, an Austin native who grew up in North Dallas in a musical family & Taylor — from Canadian, TX (northwest of Amarillo) grew up singing in church & then moved on to the influences of James Taylor, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings & Guy Clark.
The duo performs some songs with plenty of energy but in an elementary manner – expertly played, but nothing you haven’t heard before & no showboating. But that’s not an issue really, because familiarity is a good thing, especially for a pair of ears. Bonnie’s vocal is fiery & energetic enough at times & she does it absolutely wonderful.
The duo walks a tightrope of styles quite adeptly. They balance themselves on a country-lite wire with “All My Love,” which is beautifully rendered. The appeal is that Bonnie’s voice while not as distinct as a Lucinda Williams or Reba McIntyre, possesses a unique timbre filled with sincerity. On “Me & Caroline,” the ballad is fancifully sung.
“Side By Side,” is an upbeat old-fashioned oom-pa-pa type tune that’s fun & one of Taylor’s solo vocal pieces done with finesse & a touch of Michael Bublé. Cool. Good change of pace. There’s a rural aroma to it but it’s sung with nightclub delicacy. Taylor has a warm male vocal that should be utilized more.
Highlights – “Cigarette,” “The Devil & the Deep Blue Sea,” “All My Love,” “Me & Caroline,” “Side By Side” & “Texas Again.”
Color image courtesy of Natalie Jo Gray. CD @ https://www.bonnieandtaylor.com/