Hillary Reynolds – Changing Seasons
Well, let’s start by saying this Wisconsin-born, now L.A-based singer’s tonality is superb & she adds a style not typical of today’s female pop crop. I like her. The music is warm yet, & gutsy. Not sugared up, not overbaked. She has originality & creativity that percolates under the surface & it’s sumptuous.
The lead track is the transformative “Changing Seasons,” — sophisticated, sincere & well-arranged. It never overstays its welcome. And Ms. Reynolds (vocals/piano) is no flash in the pan – she continues with the drama of her music in “Can’t Turn Off My Mind.” An exceptional song. Bits of a country tint, a folky flavor, a progressive rock tingle & it’s held down by her gentle piano notes & magical voice with superb phrasing. Lovely.
There are eight Changing Seasons (Drops Aug 8/Independent/26:35) to explore. Her intonation is almost like singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer. It’s a voice that enchants as she twists her wonderful lyrics into lovely sounds & decorates her lyrics with a fine web of melodies – the way drops of water hang on like diamonds in the sun in a spider’s web after it rains.
On “Disappearing,” Hillary is as charged in her balladry as anything Joni Mitchell produced. Hillary’s voice resonates with the sincere tone of the late pianist Judee Sill (“The Kiss,” “Jesus Was a Crossmaker”). Many had forgotten Judee, but her voice was vibrant, gripping & emotional. This is where Ms. Reynolds is.
Her more juvenile voice is charming, but I wouldn’t rely on it as a foundation. She’d get too close to that faux R&B stuff. Her songs are sensitive & a youthful voice can reduce the thrust. Besides, Hillary has a great real voice.
Produced by Benjamin Kopf (acoustic guitar/bass/strings/woodwinds/woodwinds/programmed strings/bgv), the energetic “Jumping In” flexes some rock muscle, but it’s “No One Knows I’m Here” that’s unwavering. Wonderfully arranged & performed. She manages to deliver pop sensibility without sounding like anyone treading those paths now. Not edgy, not supercharged, but assertive & focused. It’s not easy to do since most singers would get carried away & add showboating. The assured Hillary Reynolds doesn’t.
“You & I” is more mainstream/commercial with an Alison Krauss breathy touch (good song to pitch Alison). This is a highly recommended debut. There’s no filler – each song is a short story with good imagination, with themes showcased with skill & distinction. Stick around, Hillary.
Highlights – “Changing Seasons,” “Can’t Turn Off My Mind,” “Disappearing,” “Jumping In,” “No One Knows I’m Here,” & “You & I.”
Musicians – Brian Burke & Martin Bisits (electric guitars), Jim Frink (drums), Eleanor Dunbar (violin), Trevor Jarvis (cello), Madison Malone (bgv), Tom Shewmake (octave mandolin), Matt Musty (percussion/drums), & Dino San Pedro (organ).
Color image courtesy of IVPR Gallery. CD@ https://ivpr.com/hillary-reynolds & https://www.hillaryreynolds.com/who