3 Pairs of Boots – Boot Scootin’
This is a duo that I’m familiar with & they’ve never disappointed. There’s a quirkiness to their folk-rock that’s charming & it’s evident right from the opening title track “Boot Scootin’” that’s a challenge to the mainstream. The California-based husband & wife team of Andrew Stern & Laura Arias is quite a unique unit. They’re catchy, with music that’s attractive & shot with a liberal dose of pizzazz that acts like a musical vitamin B-12.
Ms. Arias’ voice maintains a cross between Stevie Nicks, Dolly Parton & Bernadette Peters (“Gee Whiz”) that works excellently on these songs. The tunes (“Tempt My Fate”) are all constructed with enthusiasm, sassy phrasing, unwavering spirit & enough pop sensibility to coax mainstream attention.
There are 10 invigorating pieces of music on their 4th effort Boot Scootin’ (Drops Sept. 27/Dark Country/40:49) produced by Andrew Stern (stringed instruments). The third track “Please Tell Me” is dipped deep in Dolly Parton vocal syrup where Laura has the tone, phrasing & intonation but never, never emulates or imitates Dolly. Laura puts enough creative spin on her wonderous pipes to render the lyric a delectable rock-infused country voice & on this number a cascading melody that’s arranged impressively.
More country-leaning is the upbeat “Long Rider” which has a generous dose of C&W tradition in its arrangement. Sliding into a Stevie Nicks stylistic rock gear is the pounding “Reno,” which could’ve easily been in the Fleetwood Mac repertoire as a Christine McVie-type song. But that shows this duo’s versatility, the strength of the song is an example of their consistent imaginative vigor.
“Lost & Found,” & “Dark Sun Rising” both come across as surprising. They sounded a little different — like a cross between Deaf School’s exciting & rambunctious Bette Bright (“All Queued Up”) & Cyndi Lauper – but again, not as imitation but as an influential stylistic insert that in the voice of Laura Arias becomes wholly original with her blend that’s gold.
A splendid taste of 3 Pairs of Boots with no reference to other artists is the completely genuine banjo-flavored “My American Boy” — pop-personified by Laura with a country pinch of sugar. This version has all the trimmings for possible chart success. It has a juvenile thrust & sophisticated arrangement. I’m going to listen again.
Highlights – “Boot Scootin,’” “Tempt My Fate,” “Please Tell Me,” “Long Rider,” “Reno,” “Lost & Found,” “Dark Sun Rising” & “My American Boy.”
Musicians – Randy Cooke (drums), Christian Paschall (drums on “Long Rider”), Dave Cohen (keys), Michael Rinne (bass), Happy Sanchez (whistling on “Long Rider”) & Greg Perkins (backing vocals).
CD @ https://www.3pairsofboots.com/
Interview: https://americanahighways.org/2024/09/23/interview-3-pairs-of-boots/