Lily Vakili – Oceans of Kansas
After a period of recording as the Vakili Band, this finds the Honduran-born Lily Vakili (guitar/vocals) using her own name for this showcase. Lily expands through lived-in experiences with curiosity, intimacy, personal, & collaborative. The album’s title is both literal & metaphorical.
There are 9 dashes of vulnerability, raw creation & unearthing on the Oceans of Kansas (Dropped Oct 17/Independent/32:06) recorded in NYC & produced by Reed Turchi (slide guitar). The LP unfolds with blues-infused riffs, balladry, rock stabs & confessionals, conveyed through grit & grace. Orphan songs with melodies & lyrics that had been living rent-free in Lily’s head for a spell. The collection is a soundtrack for bold living, deep feelings, & being all you can be.
The intro is seductively rendered with sly voicing, free-spirited, & not being inhibited. “Okoboji” has a tight groove laid down with skill. Lily has good tonality & confidence. She displays a solid optimism that translates. She doesn’t have vulnerability in these narratives. “Hold On They Say,” is piano-driven & has lots of oomph. Her voice & intonation possess a musical arabesque all its own.
Lily continues her jazzy, motivated slurry, effective with a charcoal-tinted voice on “I’ve Been Hiding,” — could be blues-based, but it’s rooted in rock. Her approach is somewhat gloriously similar to the vocal style of the late, acclaimed Diane Izzo (“Venice,” “One” & “Horse of Diana”). Compelling. Lily does it again with an Izzo spirit on both the wonderful “Rocket” & especially “Tannersville.”
“Maybe It’s Over” continues with this attractive touch, whispery, warm sax notes in a Beat Generation, cool finger-snapping groove. A slight cocktail-lounge jazz mist from the era when they let cigarette smoke on stage, served Manhattans in fancy glasses, ladies danced with slow movements half-asleep — arms wrapped around their man’s neck & the bartender drying glasses with a damp towel & stared. The song creates a definitive retro mood.
“Photograph” is a level higher. Bongo to a Julie London (“Cry Me a River”), & “Peggy Lee (“Why Don’t You Do Right – Get Me Some Money Too” & “Fever”) sexy type vocal & exotica accompaniment. Performed with skill. You can’t sing the song straight — you have to create the ambiance. Lily succeeds. Ms. Vakili understands the art of sultry vocalizing. What’s admirable is that she doesn’t soak long in a retro sauce. “One Human Being” & “April Fools” are both imbued with the garnish of a flute floating through the song like a feather in the air. They all possess MOR richness, easy listening charm & a heartbeat feeling embrace.
Highlights – “Okoboji,” “Hold On They Say,” “I’ve Been Hiding,” “Maybe It’s Over,” “Photograph,” “One Human Being,” “April Fools,” “Rocket,” & “Tannersville.”
Musicians – Joseph Yount (drums), Seth Barden (bass), Eric Burns (guitar solo “Tannersville”), with guests Dave Mann (flute/sax), & Chris St. Hilaire (piano/percussion).
CD @ Amazon & Apple + https://www.oneinamillionmedia.com/lily-vakili
