Zoe FitzGerald Carter – Before the Machine
An interesting 9 pieces peppered with folk, jazz, blues & rock from the Bay Area artist with a distinctive voice – her tone has authority, experience & character. Like the chanteuses of the old-world musical halls & stages, Zoe (acoustic guitar/vocals) sings with personality & self-assurance & knows which words to emphasize.
The tunes produced by Jeffrey Wood that comprise Before the Machine (Drops June 7/Independent) aren’t bogged down with topics covered countless times by others. There’s little in the way of cliches with reliance on tapered notes that stick to the mind. The title track “Before the Machine,” & “Magic Pill” (the first single) both start the set & establish Zoe’s persuasive voice immediately. There’s a captivating style at work & tempered with the fine accompaniment Zoe conceives poignant, well-distinguished tales with finesse. She explores how we have created our “own worlds” through technology.
Despite the subject matter, there’s little technological charge in this showcase. “Angel Bus,” has a lovely European sounding accordion & Zoe’s whispery voice is up close & personal.
With a snare brush beat & gypsy-flavored violin “Starlight Blue” transports a listener to another place easily. It’s European taste & light touch conjure quiet sidewalk cafes & bottles of dusty wine with flowers, bread & cheese. A fantasy we should all experience, once. But it’s captured for a few brief moments by Zoe FitzGerald Carter’s storytelling.
Zoe brings more narrative with “Let’s Just Stay Friends,” which sounds like Zoe could’ve sung it with the late Tony Bennett to great effect. Parts sound as romantic as Jacques Brel & others less so with Serge Gainsbourg’s tints. But the anchoring of the tale lies in the fluegelhorn answering what Zoe’s laying out vocally. Brilliant. I’m looking forward to more.
Highlights – “Before the Machine,” “Magic Pill,” “Angel Bus,” “Starlight Blue,” “Let’s Just Stay Friends” & “Staying Home Tonight.”
Musicians – Dawn Richardson (drums), Paul Olguin & Daniel Fabricant (bass), Erik Jekabson (fluegelhorn), Greg Sankovich (keys), Michael Papenburg (electric guitar/lap steel), Jeri Jones (electric guitar), Lila Sklar (violin), Pam Delgado & Vicki Randle (vocals).
Image with guitar – courtesy of Zoe’s Bandcamp/website. CD @ https://zoefcarter.bandcamp.com/track/before-the-machine & https://zoecartermusic.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Video Premiere: Zoe Fitzgerald Carter “Magic Pill”
