Dar Williams – Hummingbird Highway
I’m familiar with Dar Williams & while her skillful lyrics weave together into her fine music with expertise, she’s been an exceptional artist. This set is an observance filled with colorful characters & places. Some are from a child’s perspective; others are from her many road adventures.
Songwriting’s like learning an instrument. Not everyone can do it…effectively. They think they can. They spend years practicing instruments & never consider the music & lyrics. Nothing compelling, but clichéd & formulaic. They don’t see why Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits & The Beatles were exceptional. Some even hired lyricists. Elton John had Bernie Taupin, Procol Harum had Keith Reid & King Crimson had Pete Sinfield.
Dar (vocals/acoustic guitar) shares space with artists like Beth Nielsen Chapman, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Cindy (Cidny) Bullens, Ferron, Dory Previn, & Judee Sill. Their songs are solid, creative, intense & never predictable. The 10 exits on Dar’s 13th LP Hummingbird Highway (Drops Sept 12/Righteous Babe Records/41:27) were produced & recorded in Brooklyn, NY by Ken Rich (percussion/tambourine/sousaphone/kee bass/Omnichord) with 1 track produced by David Chaffant & recorded in Northampton, MA.
Some are folky, MOR & may be classic pop in a ‘60s Burt Bacharach nature. “Tu Sais Le Printemps” displays a little Herb Alpert-style trumpet. The whispered vocal is reminiscent of Claudine Longet’s soft, seductive tone as resurrected by Dar & well-defined. Her “The Way I Go” is built from vintage Carole King-Gerry Goffin parts. But it’s Williams’ deeper vocal & inspired narrative that punctuates. Her words are not typical; her lines are not tight & constricted. It flows. It’s not how a novice would write.
No matter how good a songwriter is, a good cover tune shows interpretive skills. A Richard & Linda Thompson cover is brave. Especially “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight.” Thompson always writes edgy, melodic & artfully. The NY State-born Dar paints hers with brighter colors & makes it memorable again.
Lyrically, “Sacred Mountain” & the almost lullaby-like “What Bird Did You See” are a charm. “Olive Tree” closes captivatingly. Dar’s ability to perpetuate an expressive sound with rolling piano notes, an earthy Clara Kennedy cello that contrasts with the percussive drive, is superb. Other artists don’t dive this deeply. Their minds aren’t as proficient as their fingers. It may just be one of the year’s best.
Highlights – “Hummingbird Highway,” “Tu Sais Le Printemps,” “The Way I Go,” “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight,” “Sacred Mountain,” “Put The Coins On His Eyes,” “What Bird Did You Just See,” & “Olive Tree.”
Musicians – Dan Rieser (drums/percussion/tambourine/shaker), Chris Morrisey (acoustic bass), Mike Visceglia (electric bass/bass), Rich Hinman (electric & acoustic guitars/pedal steel), Bryn Roberts (piano/Hammond B3/celeste/synth/vocals/harmonium/gamelan/kee bass), Amy Ray (vocals), Todd Horton (fluegelhorn/alto trumpet/trumpets), Rani Arbo (fiddle/vocals), Anand Nayak (guitar/slide/vocals), Scott Kessel (percussion/vocals), Andrew Sherman (Hammond B3), Andrew Sherman (string arrangements) & Andrew Kinsey (bass/banjo/vocals).
Color image courtesy of Carly Rae Brunault. @ Bandcamp & Amazon + https://darwilliams.com/
Enjoy our interview here: Interview: Moved by Metaphor, Dar Williams Commits to the Hummingbird Highway
I love how on an album with 10 songs, 8 are highlights. My love for Dar is deep and old. Nice review!