Hannah Kaminer – Heavy On the Vine
Taking a page from the Alison Krauss bluegrass style of vocalizing Hannah sings with a subtle tone, soft, but with authority, sweetened by smart words & wonderful arrangements. She starts self-assured with the confident “Asheville,” as she weaves a little short story from the lyrics.
This young lady has a formidable showcase & her voice is appealing. She demonstrates without obnoxiousness where this music should be – nothing silly, or novelty (though that has its place). It’s what this genre distinguishes. Richness with legitimate Americana roots & tradition soaking through the notes. Lots to love here.
Her self-produced 3rd CD Heavy On the Vine (Drops Jan 5-Independent) is an exceptional album. While some songs deal with heavy subjects such as estrangement the overall feel of the melodies & vocals seem to be unified in an optimistic mist. There are no bring-down numbers & no negative implications. It has a bright patient element that supports each storytelling piece.
The 11-track LP effort by North Carolina’s Hannah Kaminer (acoustic guitar/vocals) even skates through an Emmylou Harris variable with the lovely haunting “Broke Down Girl.” Now, I cite these other artists but don’t misunderstand me – Ms. Kaminer has a well-identified & defined style. She’s not imitating anyone. She’s simply cut from the same cloth as Krauss & Harris.
It’s 5-years since her sophomore album but the wait was worth it. This is a mature performance that marinates nicely in her creativity. The band is as tight as a knot in a little string. Her balladry is also suffused with poignancy & serenity as it is on “Everlasting Arms.” Here, she slips into a whispery Sarah McLachlan gear & her velvety smooth voice has within – its feathery whims. What a relaxing listen especially if someone is wound up & needs to just chill.
On some songs like “The Has-Been,” & “Time’s Too Fast,” Hannah taps into the retro 60s pop song style both melodically & vocally. She does a fine job too as these songs would’ve been hits in the early 60s. Maybe The Shangri-Las or Lesley Gore? Ah, what could’ve been? That nostalgic brief drift as performed by Hannah only earned my respect because she’s a young lady & decades away from that era. Yet, she gets it. She gets it.
Highlights – “Asheville,” “Broke Down Girl,” “Everlasting Arms,” “Whiskey Straight,” “Childish Things,” “Irene (It’s a Big Old World)” & “The Has-Been.”
Musicians – Kevin Williams (piano/keys), Melissa Hyman (bass), Jackson Grimm (banjo), Olivia Springer (fiddle), Jackson Dulaney (steel guitar) & Ross Montsinger (drums).
CD cover photo courtesy of Izzy Nelson & color image by Lysianne Peacock. CD @ Apple + https://hannahkaminer.com/listen
