Paula Fong – Chestnut Mare EP
This album opens with the musical breadth of early 60s female folk singers that dominated Greenwich Village in NYC. Paula Fong’s “Chestnut Mare” (a poem by her mother now set to music) hits all the right keys. With a voice as gentle & smooth as the late Mimi Farina, the authenticity erases any idea of posturing. Paula has a genuine folky showcase that simmers on a low flame on this 6-song EP Chestnut Mare (Drops Sept. 6/Independent/23:46).
This is Ms. Fong’s first foray into solo work after being a harmony vocalist singing in choirs & acapella groups. She goes full country with the upbeat “A House Is Not a Home,” which I’m sure the late John Hartford’s violin & banjo would have enjoyed playing with Paula’s lead vocals & acoustic guitar.
She has the spirit of this musical genre in her tonality but not the Appalachian tension of say Iris DeMent. This Country acoustic/folk music was meant for her type of voice. There’s a little old-time music in her repertoire (& more traditional fare would be recommended), finger-style guitar playing & evocative rhythm performances.
Produced in Los Angeles by Michael Starr (electric, acoustic & slide guitars/keys) many of the 6 tunes were developed from Paula’s true-life experiences & others were based on books & biblical stories – but not necessarily about Christianity. After all the Bible is filled with little moral stories that a songwriter can draw from easily (just ask Bob Dylan).
Paula’s approach, however, is deeply rooted in a folky tradition but she glosses it up with gentle brush strokes of country zeal & bluegrass sweeps spiced with her effective vocal style. Is she Joni Mitchell? Not yet. Is she Joan Baez? Hopefully, Paula will shy away from radical & political turf. Is she the late Sandy Denny? Ah, now there’s a possible connection.
The best compliment I can offer Paula Fong is this: you’re worthy of an album.
Highlights – “Chestnut Mare,” “A House Is Not a Home,” “As Memories Fade,” “Jacob & Esau” & The Fallen Lamb.”
Musicians – Phil Glenn (violin/mandolin/banjo/acoustic guitar/piano/vocals), Cory Tramontelli (upright & electric bass), Johnny Flaugher (upright bass), Deacon Marquinn (drums/percussion), Nate Richert (add’l percussion), Phil Parlapiano (Wurlitzer organ), David Landau, Abby Posner, Teresa James, Ben Matin & Leeann Skoda (vocals),
CD photography courtesy of Daniel DiScala. CD @ https://paulafong.com/
Song premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2024/07/29/song-premiere-paula-fong-a-house-is-not-a-home/