Kyle Carey – The Last Bough
This album touches upon some heavy-duty topics like infertility, the struggles of motherhood, its possible joys, & the significance of a woman’s life – a mother’s life, challenged by the spiritual & physical strength required every day & responsibilities. It’s all explored on New York’s Kyle Carey’s 4th album.
The showcase features 10 distinctive sways of The Last Bough (Drops Sept 1/ Americelta Records/40:38) as produced by Kai Welch (piano/accordion/synth/wizardry), & recorded in Nashville, TN. These types of LPs can be a roll of the dice. They will appeal to a certain audience & to prospective mothers. They can make a deep impact or fizzle like soda left open.
But I’m optimistic for this. Because of Ms. Carey’s focus. The original songs she performs & the ones added from other sources aren’t wrapped up in any pleading, complaining, or belly-aching. There’s a traditional sound to her effort that allows some to appeal to a wide audience — music with a vitality that’s like heavy lifting. After that, there’s a refreshing accomplishment, an invigorating feeling. It’s music that penetrates the soul.
“The Last Bough” – opens the LP with pensive music & Ms. Carey’s traditionally tinted voice. Bathed in the décor of fiddle, percussion & a sophisticated arrangement. It has a Gaelic touch & exhibits antiquated charm — not unlike the medieval stylings of Amazing Blondell & Eddie Baird. This continues with some of the more traditional covers in the showcase. However, Kyle also sings in Italian. An old-fashioned street musician accordion on the melodic “Via Del Camp.”
“Theia’s Gaze” finds Kyle’s voice warm & sincere as the cello sweeps of Susan Osborne’s work with the Paul Winter Consort (“Lay Down Your Burden”). Kyle’s tune is light, & airy in the same way. It’s played with a serene acoustic atmosphere. With “The Sere Wind,” Kyle approaches the sensitivity of Annie Haslam of Renaissance. A gentle acoustic ballad with a striking arrangement & many of the instruments merely whispering to each other.
Some songs are lively, like the Cape Breton melody “Nach Muladach, Muladach Duine Leis Fhein,” which doesn’t need translation to appreciate. The concentrated musical spirit is enough. “Ba I U O Ho” is a lovely lullaby-type tune with Kyle’s ethereal vocal. Also, serene & compelling.
The most mainstream song is “Amour’s Mystique” (inspired by an old-fashioned mechanical fortune-telling machine). A bit Kate Bush progressive & with Kyle’s voice projecting sweetly but always with authority. A delight.
Highlights – “The Last Bough,” “Theia’s Gaze,” “Via Del Camp,” “The Sere Wind,” “Nach Muladach, Muladach Duine Leis Fhein,” “Ba I U O Ho,” & “Amour’s Mystique.”
Musicians – Anthony DaCosta (guitar), Ruth Moody (Bodhrán/bgv), Jamie Dick (percussion), Christian Sedelmeyer (fiddle), Sam Howard (upright bass), James Graham (Gàidhlig/bgv on “Latha Bha An Ridire Ag Ol”), & Mike McGoldrick (whistle/flute).
An 8pp lyric insert is included. Cover photo courtesy of Danielle Di Egidio. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.kyleannecarey.com/
