Paula Boggs Band – Sumatra
It’s rare that a bluesy female artist nails down an effective world-style music with the skill & expressiveness that Paula Boggs has displayed on the title track “Sumatra.” It’s impressive right out of the gate. From that exploration to a Taj Mahal-type “Bard of Vietnam.” Lovely stuff. A bit more serious than the late Native American folk singer Norma Tanega, who had a similar approach & tonality (“The Street That Rhymes With 6 a.m.” “No Stranger Am I”).
So, from World music, Ms. Boggs (acoustic guitar/ukulele) slides into base with a folky, inventive tune filled with her vocal enthusiasm. The tune has its Nina Simone colorful language, but Paula’s voice sounds far less angry than Nina’s. Paula has a wonderfully acute voice – her tonality is pastel, no rough edges, & her intonation is sincere on each note. “Route 66” is excellent with carefully chosen lyrics, polished instrumentation, & nothing overblown or bombastic. That being said, this song would even serve the late Billie Holiday, who would certainly understand the words. Beautiful music.
There are 10 charming melodies from a band that originated in 2007 & shine on their 5th album, Sumatra (Drops March 27/Independent/40:46). It’s a set that even has a song I could hear The Band play. Yes, Paula Boggs with the late Richard Manuel would shine on “Still Grateful.” Paula would’ve qualified as a member of that unit even as a songwriter. The Seattle-based band performs skillfully through jazz, bluegrass, soul, folk & Americana with a rootsy soul.
A little Euro-flavored melody with fiddle & accordion comes with “Traces of You,” an intensely beautiful instrumental. “Wasting Young Man” follows with Paula’s near-Joan Armatrading vocal. Paul & her band are joined by Valerie June & the Blind Boys of Alabama to dust off the rollicking “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round.” A well-nourished traditional tune with additional lyrics from Paula that brings the past back to life for a few minutes of bliss & we’re full circle.
The LP was produced by Paula with Tucker Martine (Oregon), Matthew Brown (Seattle, WA) & Nicholas Denke (WA).
Highlights – “Sumatra,” “Bard of Vietnam,” “Route 66,” “Still Grateful,” “Traces of You,” “Wasting Young Man,” “Airline Boogie” & “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round.”
Musicians – David Salonen (upright bass/fiddle/acoustic guitar/bgv), Tor Dietrichson (percussion/vocal), Paul Matthew Moore (keys/accordion/percussion/bgv), Jacob Evans (drums/percussion), Darren Loucas (multi-instrumentalist) with Daniel Walker (Wurlitzer piano/Synth/Mellotron/Rhodes piano/accordion/piano), James Falzone (penny whistle/clarinet), Josh Neumann (cello), Arietta Ward (bgv), Valerie June & the Blind Boys of Alabama (vocals) & Members of the Evensong Choir of Saint Mark’s Cathedral.
Includes a 20pp stitched insert. CD cover image courtesy of Tom Reese. Sepia band image courtesy of the band’s Facebook gallery. CD @ https://www.paulaboggsband.net/