Florence Dore Hold The Spark
Character studies are the focus of Florence Dore’s 3rd LP (no relation to Charlie Dore, “Pilot of the Airwaves,” “Sleep All Day”). The Nashville-born, Chapel Hill, NC-based Americana artist has quite a cast of musicians adding to the festivities. The music cruises through mists of alt/rock, twangy country-rock, fanciful acoustic rock, ‘60s psychedelic folk/rock with blends that craft a signature Dore style.
Recorded in studios in California, North Carolina & Georgia, the 12-track Hold The Spark (Drops May 1/Propeller Sound/43:51) was produced by Don Dixon (piano), who worked with R.E.M. Based on the reputations of these musicians, I expect a balanced, well-recorded effort since the majority are respected veterans. Hey, no pressure.
Wisely, Florence (guitars/vocals) opens with “Sunset Road,” an appealing Steve Earle-styled roots rocker with attitude in her intonation. She displays wonderful phrasing & the guitars like bluejays fly beside her like a fighter jet escort. Florence asserts herself well. Rickie Lee Jones had a great tune years ago: “Last Chance Texaco.” Ms. Dore displays a similar, memorable, well-realized piece with the pensively melodic “The Worst Mistake/Never Made” — sung excellently.
It’s told with an instinctive punch. Her voice here & with “Hold That Spark” has the same magical Stevie Nicks nasal appeal in the low notes. Her lyrical storytelling is sung with expertise & with controlled emotion. I like her. This is an artist exposing a natural vocal skill backed by superb musicians.
Gutsiness? Yeah, she can stick it to you with the colorful language of “Twelve Great Minds (Department Meeting),” which deserves a cleaned-up version since it’s a strong radio tune. Terrific rocker considering that legendary female vocalists like Grace Slick are no longer open for business. This has R&R current, a punk aesthetic. Yeah. Her voice is closely aligned with the leather & lace of Karen Lawrence’s 1981 rock years with producer Jack Douglas (“Girl’s Night Out”).
“The One You Need” has a smooth, expressive narrative in a Karen Lawrence tone. I didn’t say she sounded like Karen; she follows the same blue-plate special vocal menu. “Butterflies” finds Florence’s vocal fascination all her own. Psychedelic in nature, with a tough-center arrangement. Quite a pleasing showcase.
Highlights – “Sunset Road,” “The Worst Mistake/Never Made,” “Hold That Spark,” “Twelve Great Minds (Department Meeting),” “Abacus,” “The One You Need,” “Butterflies,” “On Empty,” & “Nothing With You.”
Musicians – Jeremy Chatsky (electric/upright bass), Will Rigby (drums/percussion), Chris Masterson (lead/add’l guitars/mellotron/vocals), Jason Wilbur (lead/add’l guitars/mandolin), Mark Spencer (lead guitar/organ on “Abacus”), Gene Holder (electric bass on “Abacus”) with Mitch Easter (sitar), Sam Frazier (rhythm guitar), Peter Holsapple (12-string guitar/keys), Kelly Pratt (horns), Marion Rambler (cello), Libby Rodenbough (violin), Dawn Landes, Robert Sledge, Eleanor & Bonnie Whitmore (vocals).
Enclosed is an 8-page full-color stitched lyric insert. Cover CD image courtesy of Bryan Regan. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.florencedoremusic.com/
Song Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2026/04/08/song-premiere-florence-dore-hold-the-spark/