Suzy Thompson – Suzy Sings Siebel – Volume One
Suzy Thompson is a Berkeley-based artist steeped in Appalachian/Americana music. In tandem with her husband Eric, she has spent decades performing classic blues, jug band, bluegrass & Cajun music. With this collection, Suzy Sings Siebel – Volume One (Drops Sept 1/Independent/35:00), she focuses specifically on the songs of the late Buffalo, NY singer/songwriter Paul Siebel (1937-2022), discovered by David Bromberg & recorded for Elektra Records beginning in 1970.
Suzy (guitar/vocal/fiddle) collects 10 Siebel tunes, including his most well-known “Louise” (covered by Bonnie Raitt). Many of his individual songs were covered by many acclaimed artists, but Suzy’s effort is the most comprehensive, with a bit of harmonica from John Sebastian (The Lovin’ Spoonful). The recordings were captured in studios in Berkeley, CA & Woodstock, NY. & produced by Jody Stecher (mandolin/guitar/vocals).
I don’t want to “review” Paul Siebel because this is Suzy’s tribute & his music speaks for itself. It’s an obvious labor of love & keeps Paul’s work in folk lovers’ ears. Paul was one of many artists who, through the decades, produced fine songs but fell between the cracks, such as the late David Blue, Steve Goodman, the English folk singer David McWilliams & Clifford T. Ward.
Siebel, in some ways, was like the late Fred Neil, who shone for a while & produced wonderful material (“Everybody’s Talkin’) then faded from view. Connie Converse disappeared mysteriously, & she may have been the first singer-songwriter, having started in 1954-6, long before Carole King, Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Dory Previn, Laura Nyro & the others, writing her own songs.
Though Suzy never met Paul, they did have long phone conversations & he enjoyed her interpretations of his songs. All of the songs are exceptional. Suzy’s poignant ruralized tone with superb instrumental accompaniment is evident on “Bride, 1945,” “Nashville Again,” & “Uncle Dudley,” & the kazoo-dominated “Any Day Woman,” with its Maria Muldaur stylization.
The songs haven’t aged. I always liked Paul Siebel & came to this review with apprehension. I felt this effort would be a surprise or be a disappointment. And it surprises. Each tune is carefully nourished. It’s a well-studied songbook captured by producer Stecher. The music & playing are rootsy but not retro. Quite good for songs over 50 years old. Suzy’s voice has a rural prairie pitch; her emphasis is youthful & makes the old tunes sound contemporary. The rare “You Don’t Need a Gun” is enthusiastic.
Highlights – “Bride, 1945,” “Nashville Again,” “Uncle Dudley,” “Louise,” “You Don’t Need a Gun,” “If I Could Stay,” “Any Day Woman,” & “Long Afternoons.”
Musicians – Cindy Cashdollar (lap steel/Dobro), John Sebastian (harmonica), Molly Mason & Mark Schatz (bass), Bill Evans (banjo), Kate Brislin (kazoo/vocals), Eric Thompson (National guitar), & Michaelle Goerlitz (drums).
Cover photo courtesy of Irene Young. CD Bandcamp & https://www.ericandsuzy.com/