Martha Spencer – Out in La La Land
Martha Spencer’s new album Out in La La Land of scrumptious old timey music freshly delivered today was released by Music Maker Foundation and Karpie Diem Records. It was produced by Martha Spencer with thanks to Mark Thornton, Jay Weaver and Chris Scruggs and all of the musicians (see list below) for their input on arrangements and sounds. It was engineered, mixed and mastered by Mark Thornton of Sidekick Sound Studios in Nashville.
All songs on the album were written by Martha Spencer except covers of “Tomorrow is a Long Time” by Bob Dylan and “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” by Dolly Parton.
On the title track Martha’s vocals are showcased for their wild high trills, with an birdlike assist by Lillie Mae Riche on harmonies. Their high quick trills are remarkably indescribable, you simple have to hear them to catch the unique vibe. They’re utterly fantastic.
Lillie Mae accompanies Martha again for a repeat thrilling performance on “California Sunshine” in more of a loping shuffly paced song with wide open piano scalings and lonesome pedal steel, and suddenly we’re transformed to a timeless traveling performer – and it feels like it was long before modernity and even before the automobile’s invention.
“Woman of the Road” seals the deal of a woman on the road, with ragtime piano, lively fiddle, and the toss of the head: “I don’t care if I live forever just as long as I can live the way I want to.” Chris Scruggs plays steel guitar on this and most other songs, and electric guitar and even drums on some of the others, lending more credibility to the already highly credible project.
“Sometimes” is whimsical piano in doublets and a casual honky tonk crooner. “Little Darlin'” is something of a vocal duet with Archer in a rustic love song, sung again in Martha’s crystalline vocals with Archer’s raw ones. “Coo Coo” is a fun one and on this one Martha channels a little bit of gentle Dolly Parton tones. “If he’s lost his mind what a fool… they’re crazy forever, crazy together.”
When Martha closes a track it’s produced sounding just like an old fashioned show on a wooden stage as it fades. She’s truly a national treasure, performing in a classic old time style that’ll have you picturing speakeasies and then a touch of wild Western saloons. Every character is enjoying La La Land. The album is wonderful.
Musicians on the album are Martha Spencer on guitar and lead vocals on all songs; Lillie Mae Rische on harmony vocals; Jay Weaver on bass and tambourine; Chris Scruggs on steel, electric guitar, and percussion; Mark Thornton on gut string guitar and electric guitar; Ian Cory on drums; Dave Racine on drums; Dennis Crouch on bass; Griffin McMahon on piano; Billy Contreras on fiddle; Eddy Dunlap on pedal steel; Neil Jones on pedal steel; Jonathan Brown on guitar and harmony vocals; Archer on vocals; Jake Dwyer on snare; Jamie Collins on harmony vocals and Lucas Pasley on harmony vocals.
Cover photography and artwork design was by Jake Dwyer and Tintype Photography is courtesy of Tim Duffy.
Find her music here: https://marthaspencer.bandcamp.com
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Martha Spencer “Wonderland”