Light Bird – See Her
This showcase features singer/songwriter & guitarist Danni Hoshno, who explores wonderfully the challenges & beauty that came about with a new phase of life. Transitioning into Light Bird, she shapes the evolution of becoming a new version of herself. Vocally, Light Bird has a warm-hearted persona in her tone, good range & applied with expertise in songs that explore her fear, doubt & questions like misinterpreting feelings. That’s a heavy-duty chance. But the album is crafted with care & has the necessary nuances to be comfortable in a new self. The songs are excellently conceived.
There are 11-mirrors to See Her (Dropped June 5/Independent/45:45), the impactful debut album by Light Bird, produced by Don Mitchell. One strong number is “Alright,” where the vocals are gripping & emotional. Coming from Boston & now a Brooklynite, the transition to a different environment is equally intense. “Williamsburg Bridge” is an ode to this new neighborhood. Many folk singers have sung about Vietnam, tragic figures, oppression, murder, the factory worker & farmers. Yet, Light Bird sings of crying on the subway train. How personal, sad & seldom sung about. Beautiful. And listeners can relate to that through their own personal struggles & private moments.
It’s not easy to accept change, & I’m in no way in a position to understand this challenge. But aside from what anyone may interpret, the most intense judgment is of yourself. No one else. The sound that Light Bird projects from her voice is a voice of renewed confidence. That’s what I can hear. The harmonies laid down, the ethereal musical sequences that move along through the musical notes, are also intertwined in a rediscovery & being comfortable in one’s skin.
The songs about self-recognition speak for themselves. They are well performed. Sung with emotive authority & expressiveness. There’s no self-pity, feeling sorry for myself, or anger. “Slow Down” is the most receptive melody. Nothing comes through the music like a lecture, no plea for acceptance, & preachy. The bluesier “Land of the Free” with its funky Steve Cropper-type guitar lead is edgy & delicious. Excellently sung.
Some songs, like the finale, are simply with acoustic guitar & voice. “Like Being Free” with its deep, folky Cris Williamson roots-oriented voice (“Last Sweet Hour”) — one of the strongest songs in the set. I like Light Bird. She sounds good, comes across quite well & the songs have absorbing character. Always be who you were meant to be. The wind, sun, sky & your voice will always still be there for you. So, sing.
Highlights – “Williamsburg Bridge,” “See Her,” “Alright,” “The Feeling,” “Whales,” “Slow Down,” “Land of the Free,” & “Like Being Free.”
Musicians – Csilla Bonnie (bass), Dave Brophy (drums), & Ri Lotz (bgv).
CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.lightbirdmusic.com/