Joy Clark – Tell It to the Wind
Honestly, I was shocked to see that Joy Clark’s debut album was just now (as of this Friday) coming out. I’ve watched her on the Americana scene for years now, featured in Allision Russell’s band, The Rainbow Coalition, as well as playing with Brandi Carlile. But, while the New Orleans-based singer-songwriter-guitar ace has had a number of singles and an EP released over the past half-decade, we’re finally getting a much-deserved, proper full-length from Clark. Tell It to the Wind, as expected, showcases her songwriting and guitar playing, but it’s her remarkably smooth voice that makes the record.
Tell It to the Wind begins with Clark sketching out her own story. “One Step in the Right Direction” is an upbeat track that doubles as a kiss-off to past trauma – “I say ‘goodbye’ to the fears/I’m leaving them behind/’Cause those were formative years/I don’t need them this time” – in favor of the simple act of puting one foot in front of the other, in search of better things – “I don’t travel alone/The horizon’s my friend.” Some of Clark’s other friends – Kyla Jade, Maureen Murphy and Kyshona – join her in some gorgeous, travel-worthy backing vocals. The next track, “Lesson,” is a slinky piece of blues that has Clark striving to stand up for herself – “There’s a time for peace/And God help us, there’s time for strife.”
Clark’s undeniably pretty vocals lend delicacy to what could be a bitter break-up song. “All Behind,” paced by J Sharp’s piano, begins with a familiar assessment of personal items – “I’m taking my lamp, I’m takin’ my bike/I’m taking my plant, gonna raise it right” (one of my all-time favorite digs) – while realizing what most needs rescuing from this relationship is her own damn self – “You can keep it all, I’m letting go/And I, I’m disappearing every day/And needing more to be OK.” By the dreamy “Watching You Sleep,” though, she’s most definitely moved on, maybe finding how to be OK – “Is there something out there/That takes your breath away/I hope it’s me/That you see.”
Tell It to the Wind also has some of the best guitar work I’ve listened to this year. “Shimmering,” in particular, bounces Clark’s subtle licks off Sharp’s Rhodes piano. And her punchy playing in “Shine” adds even more bounce to this buoyant, horn-laden spirit-lifter – “You can’t keep from shining anymore/’Cause I‘ve seen your light creepin’ through the door.” But the quiet songs that rely on Clark’s voice are what really shine through on this record. The album-capping title track features subtle strings from Melodie and Bobby Chase (arranged by Larissa Maestro), it’s Clark’s own telling of her burgeoning musical life story – “But as I traveled back and forth to distant lands/See, I know the wind still takes me further than I planned” – that makes this song truly soar.
Song I Can’t Wait to Hear Live: “Guest” – the acoustic match to her electric chops on “Shimmering,” this song has Clark pushing herself to expect more than “Chasing my own life.” With this album, she’s begun to catch it.
Tell It to the Wind was produced by Margaret Becker, engineered by Becker, Mike Napolitano and SEVV, mixed by Paul Salveson and mastered by Niger Palmer. All songs written by Joy Clark, with co-writes going to Becker and Roberta Lea, Musicians on the album include Clark (lead and backing vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar), Becker (B-3 organ, electric guitar, synth), Steve Brewster (drums, percussion), Roland Guerin (bass), J Sharp (synth, B-3 organ, piano, clavinet, Rhodes piano), Alisa Newhall (accordion), Kyla Jade (backing vocals), Maureen Murphy (backing vocals), Kyshona (backing vocals), Bradley Bourgeois (drums), Charlie Halloran (trombone), Brent Rose (horn arrangement, baritone sax, tenor sax), Catie Rodgers (trumpet) and Lisa Coleman (piano).
Go here to order Tell It to the Wind (out October 4): https://www.righteousbabe.com/products/joy-clark-tell-it-to-the-wind-album
Check out tour dates here: https://joyclarkmusic.com/tour-dates/
