Crow and Gazelle – as above now so below
This music comes from a Texas-based duo — a musical partnership of Mike McClure & Chrislyn Lawrence. The album is a personal statement with many poignant, pristine melodies that dominate the joys & pains of real life. Along the way, they honor the foundation of their rootsy showcase through tunes about fear of the unknown, paths to redemption, liberation & not giving up. The instrumentation is spare, but the performance has muscle through their vivid communication.
Produced by the duo the 13 songs that are planted on as above now so below (Drops May 3/Independent/44:00) take root with a rural feel, sprinkled with affection not only between two people but between hearts & minds, pasts & futures things known & unknown with a dash of possibilities. The set is cultivated in decorative strings & harmonies with expressive vocalizing.
Bands in the past have explored similar territories – Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Curved Air & Magna Carta. While some artists feel their musicianship is key to their dynamic this duo is focused on the lyrics, melodies & their pristine vocals. What’s evident in such tunes as “Take It Away,” is its persistent beauty.
Mike’s deep voice is a sharp contrast to the angelic tones of Chrislyn. Therein lies the attraction that is the elixir of their repertoire. “Blackbird,” is powerful despite its gentle balladry & short expanse. Had someone like Paul McCartney decided to record an all-acoustic album with differing shades of balladry throughout could’ve approached this production. Even “These Are the Days,” has a McCartney-balladry touch.
The duo knows how to use spare instrumentation in a creative powerful manner without being bombastic. Chrislyn has a rural tone that’s a little friendlier than Iris DeMent but with a Stevie Nicks/Patti Scialfa tenacity. Quite attractive & it pours sweet & rich through “In the Meantime” & the next track: “Still Free To Fly,” together their brightest moment is the deliciously expressive tune anchored by piano & mandolin. Nice touch.
But the surprises don’t end there since the imaginative ballad “Mary” & “The Only Thing” both performed beautifully – the first rendered with an infectious simple acoustic guitar performance & Ms. Lawrence’s haunting voice chased by a melancholy fiddle & deep-toned cello at the coda of “Mary.” Captivatingly smooth.
Then, her solo spot with “The Only One,” a charming, pensive tune with a formal breadth. A pleasurable listen. Reminds me of Golden-Carillo’s “A Fire In Newtown,” with clever lyrics, consistent & gratifying.
Highlights – “Take It Away,” “Blackbird,” “These Are the Days,” “In the Meantime,” “Still Free To Fly,” “Mary” & “The Only Thing.”
Musicians – Mike (vocals/guitars/piano/guitelele), Chrislyn (vocals/baritone ukelele/shuruti box/dulcimer/percussion), Jared Tyler (hand percussion/vocals/bass/mandola), Tim Lorsch (cello), Jon Knudson (accordion/keys) & Eamon McLoughlin (fiddle).
Color image courtesy of their Facebook. CD @ https://www.crowandgazelle.com/shop/as-above-now-so-below-cd