Jesse Lynn Madera – Speed of Sound
This artist starts out sounding like a sugary pop chanteuse. Then, surprise of surprises she unleashes a full-throated country-bluesy rawness that’s exceptional. The tune “Austin” then slides into a masterful Hammond organ that supports her superbly. I like surprises. This qualifies.
This is Jesse Lynn’s sophomore LP produced by 3 talented knob-twisters & button pushers with Dan Navarro (the great Lowen & Navarro – “Cry”), 7-time Grammy winner Jim Scott (bell tree/tambourines/percussion), & Grammy-nominated Ryan Hadlock. 11 tightly constructed lively performed pieces make up the expressive Speed of Sound (Drops March 15-Big Fat Dress Records/49:00).
There’s a catharsis at work in each composition. Serious lyrics embody some meditative melodies that have a Lowen & Navarro touch. Especially a tune like “Ten Miles Down,” with its piano-driven class & Jesse’s emotive vocalizing. She doesn’t merely sing the words she adds the necessary drama that fleshes out the scene in the lyric. A strong mix of tonal subtlety & wounded voicings. Never overdone, or with any unnecessary gutsiness.
There’s a flair for Lucinda Williams’ hard-lived drizzle in her choice but with tunes like “Sweet Pretender,” there’s a controlled early Sheryl Crow-type pep in her intonation & phrasing. Jesse (piano/Casio SK-1 keys/Omnichord/Wurlitzer electric piano/cabasa/percussion) is safer in her environment with her limits in exhilaration & instinctively possesses a crossover appeal her producers provided. Her voice soaks the words up like a sponge like a good jazz singer. “Waving,” offers that impressive delivery.
“Unchained,” is another fine example of her wide array of genres. Almost spiritual with an optimistic foundation. Laid bare. She’s a vocalist who could’ve sung well with all the members of The Band, especially the late Richard Manuel.
Jesse manages to switch roles in songs & this is what’s appealing & entertaining. “What We’ve Become,” is a near-Broadway show quality bordering on the quirkiness & beauty of singers with solid material such as Annie Golden (Golden-Carillo – “Fire In New Town”). Jesse’s tune is a beauty.
This is one of the year’s best without a doubt. The variety encapsulated here with precision throughout is to be envied.
Highlights – “Austin,” “Ten Miles Down,” “Sweet Pretender,” “Waving,” “Unchained,” “What We’ve Become” & heart-wrenching “Speed of Sound.”
Musicians – Dan Navarro (acoustic guitar/high string guitar/duet vocal/percussion/bgv), Taras Prodanluk, Sebastian Steinberg & Bob Glaub (electric bass), Dune Butler (upright bass/organ), Johnny Moezzi (electric guitar), Brian Whelan (electric guitars/harmony/Spanish guitar/mandolin/accordion/bgv), Kimo Muraki (guitar/banjo), John Thomas (piano/Hammond B3 organ/Farfisa organ/ARP/Crumar synths/accordion), Carlos Murgia (Hammond B3), David Raven, Benjamin Knapp, Jimmy Paxson, William Mapp & Rob Humphries (drums), Doug Pettibone (pedal steel guitar), Leah Zeger (fiddle), Johnny Sangster (guitar), Josh Neumann (cello), Stevie Blacke (violins) & John Fitzpatrick (duet vocal/harmonica)
Color image courtesy of Richlynn Group PR. 8-panel fold-out CD with lyrics. CD @ https://www.richlynngroup.com/news/jesse-lynn-madera-soars-with-new-album-speed-of-sound-out-march-15-on-all-platforms & https://www.jesselynnmadera.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Interview: Jesse Lynn Madera and Dan Navarro