Greta Gaines – Bird Before Light
This is a singer-songwriter who explores midlife through themes that distill what many experience – the empty nest, anxiety, change, grief, betrayal, having faith, old friends & appreciating nature. On some levels, Greta Gaines’ effort is unique & on other levels, it’s revisiting where other artists have been – not a bad thing. “Coming To Fruition” has good lyrics & uses a fascinating mix of folky elements & melodic rock bait.
The 10 pieces on Bird Before Light (Drops Aug 29/Big Air Records/32:36) have a strong appeal in beat & instrumental interplay. “Homegrown” has a down-to-earth appeal with its catchy melody, and Greta (vocals/guitars) takes the tunes to success through her creative personality. “Moderation” has a good melody, simple structure, mainstream pleasantness, & a hint of a ’60s girl-group confection. The lyrics are folky, ventilated but not too much — done with a sweep of a clever wand that’s Ms. Gaines’ originative forte.
More of a rocker is “Harm’s Way.” Greta deepens her vocals & steps away from the sweeter folk tone. Wise move. The insistent guitar groove frames her well-muscled voice with authority, aggressiveness, & Lesley Gore attitude. The song is arranged well – an interesting foray with a gutsier Greta.
This 8th set by Greta was produced by Jim Reilly (bass) in East Nashville. The next tune is “Tenderhooks.” This loosens the knots. A beautiful ballad, well-placed. It captures the kind of poignancy singer-songwriter Cindy (now Cydney) Bullens often applied to her touching work (“Somewhere Between Heaven & Earth”).
Greta changes vocal tint for the smokier “What Do You Want” with spirited instrumental technique, lyrics that bait & Greta’s pure voice — perfectly suited to this style. A superb morsel. Gaines proves her sawdust value in the upbeat fiddle-driven country jaunt “Port-a-Lee,” a well-told tale, a fun romp & good country corn vocals adorned in nicely applied drums (Ken Coomer).
The most serious composition is “All Yours” that, believe it or not, wields a Procol Harum edge as it moves along delectably with its “Whaling Stories” (from their LP “Home”) oriented progression & organ (typical of Procol). I’m impressed. Greta pulls this move off with vitality & it’s a nice end product.
Highlights – “Coming To Fruition,” “Homegrown,” “Moderation,” “Harm’s Way,” “Tenderhooks,” “What Do You Want,” “Port-a-Lee,” & “All Yours.”
Musicians – Eric Fritsch (electric guitars/piano/keys), Tim O’Brien (fiddle/harmony vocals), Adam Ollendorff (pedal steel), Kevin Roentgen (electric guitar), Raul Malo, & Dan Bern (harmony vocals).
Color image courtesy of Greta’s website photo gallery. CD @ https://www.gretagaines.com/
Song Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2025/06/11/song-premiere-greta-gaines-coming-to-fruition/