Stephanie Sammons – Time and Evolution
Stephanie’s a folk-leaning Texan according to her press which details her blend of songwriting with natural imagery, rich narrative reflections & stirring melody lines. Yes. Agreed. Her music mixes contemporary country & folk artists with traditional vintage voices in those respective genres. There’s a moodiness to some pieces & this is Ms. Sammon’s first full-length effort.
The 10 engaging tunes were produced convincingly by Mary Bragg (bgv) & designed for Time and Evolution (Drops May 3/SAS Music/43:00). Stephanie has multiple mentors that shaped her style with deeper themed tunes & this allowed her to find her voice through the process. These songs explore personal growth, coming of age, rediscovery of faith, the effects of shame, vulnerability & living gay in a conservative Southern culture. Heavy stuff is rendered in these songs beautifully.
Recorded in Nashville, TN Stephanie provides compelling material with poetic lyrics. Her lead “Make Me Believe,” has a Lucinda Williams feel without Lucinda’s rawness. Ms. Sammons’ voice has clarity & wonderful tonality. There’s little formula at work here. A midtempo pop-country song performed delicate & well-crafted. Her voice is truly original since she applies varied styles. There’s a tint of Brenda Lee, Lucinda & k.d. Lang mixed generously in a musical pot, left to simmer & producing a flavorful performance. Lovely.
There’s nothing cheesy about this music or commercial despite its mainstream appeal. It may be the intelligence that’s applied along with the creativity. “Innocence Lost” & “Faithless” are chillingly good. “When I traded my soul for a diamond ring…” Wow.
This is where Stephanie Sammons is – little poetic lines like that come one after another throughout her set accompanied by Stephanie’s brandy smooth voice close to the satin & lace tonality of k.d. Lang (“Love Is Everything”).
The album is loaded. Virtually every track has its unique value. The melodies are savoring, the vocals ambitious & few of these pieces resemble the massive output of material each month to radio & streaming services. If a listener wants something slightly different, dignified, contemporary & spiked with originality Stephanie Sammons is worth several spins. Like bubble gum on a hot humid street – several will “stick to your soul.”
Highlights – “Make Me Believe,” “Innocence Lost,” “Lazarus,” “Faithless,” “Living & Dying” (featuring Mary Bragg), “Mend” & “Grow Up.” (featuring Verlon Thompson).
Musicians – Stephanie (vocals/acoustic guitar), Kirk “Jelly Roll” Johnson (harmonica), Josh Kaler (guitars/pedal steel guitar), Jon Estes (bass/piano/organ), Jordan Perlson (drums/percussion), Verlon Thompson (bgv & acoustic guitar), Ingrid Graudins & Kira Small (bgv).
Color image courtesy of Stephanie’s website. CD @ Bandcamp + https://stephaniesammons.com/ & https://hellowendy.com/clients/stephanie-sammons/