Audrey Bussanich – The Desert Blooms
This sparkling debut from Audrey Bussanich goes from solid tone to lilting highs with ethereally effective landscapes. Somewhat in the realm of early Joni Mitchell, but Audrey isn’t totally folk-oriented like Joni, but has good, stirring storytelling that’s colorful.
“Redwood” has spaciousness & apparently Audrey is what happens when you cross an early folky Joni Mitchell with a dark & creative Kate Bush. Definitely an original in the way she structures her pieces. It must be a coincidence that I’m listening to Audrey’s music for only an hour after absorbing a solo rock-oriented LP by accomplished operatic lyric soprano Renee Fleming. Surprisingly, the classical legend pulls it off on many tunes with muscle, class, & texture. The same can be said for the classically trained Audrey, who doesn’t have a simple pop voice.
The Desert Blooms (Drops Sept. 24/Independent) has 8 originals produced in Boston by Rodney Alejandro (additional instruments) & the sound goes from pristine to muddy. “False Prophets” is still firm in a Joni methodology with a deeper Audrey voice, jazzier but still hearty in an Americana-roots tradition. She always sounds distinctive compared to others & understands intonation, phrasing, & has a good range.
Audrey’s (acoustic guitar/additional instruments) voice isn’t of a contemporary mainstream persuasion. But does have commercial appeal. “Light In the Dark” as recorded is a little dominant & heavy-handed with the single drumbeat. The spirit remains sublime & maintains its haunting beauty. It’s possible the drum track was mixed hot. Maybe the drummer should’ve used brushes or mallets to better effect. Same for “River Running Dry,” a good song, just hot in production. It has an exquisite Julee Cruise-type shading, mysterious & misty.
Another “Hold On” song (sorry, I get no fewer than 12 “Hold On” titles every year) & while the composition itself is well performed, the production is the issue. Too heavy-handed, especially the lead guitar. The musical endeavor needs to be produced with an ear toward the music & its subtle drama. Audrey conveys her voice with a swirl of smoke & tenderness, where the instruments bang too hard.
Much better is the beautiful “Little Dreamer.” The Guy Gottesfeld’s guitar plays with supple notes, but the production is murky. Guy is fine but needs his volume pot lowered to be under Audrey’s creamy, fine lullaby-type voice. “Bring Me To Life” is lively. Audrey negotiates the loud accompaniment with skill. “Living Water” is balanced, with a melody-like Angelo Badalamenti places the stylization in a Kate Bush-Julee Cruise compendium. This has relevance. Audrey has sensible, sensitive compositions that require a little more warmth in production.
Highlights – “Redwood,” “False Prophets,” “Light In the Dark,” “Little Dreamer,” “Bring Me To Life” & “Living Water.”
Musicians – Oliver Unger (bass) & Liad Salomon (drums).
Photo courtesy of Ben Pu. CD @ iTunes & https://www.audreybussanich.com/#new-music-section