Rachael Sage & the Sequins – Under My Canopy
I noticed the independent artist Ms. Sage on her first albums years ago. I sarcastically & erroneously said to myself “attractive, talented female singer-songwriter but doesn’t have a prayer in this business.” I was wrong. I only said it since I’d seen & heard so many good artists fade. Some even scored a hit – major label artist Ruthann Friedman had The Association record her “Windy.” A classic. She hung out & knew major artists in Laurel Canyon. Still, no recognition. A good singer-songwriter who still performs today. Eva Cassidy is another story.
So, my assumptions aside, what I found interesting was that every year there was another Rachael Sage album. I kept an ear out. Yes, she’s an indie artist but what an influential independent artist. A determined, skillful, & wonderful artist. She never gave up & that’s to be admired. Rachael has musical stamina & endurance. That makes a great artist, but maybe she’s not controversial enough. She has won numerous awards, played with name artists & this is her, wait for it: 16th album Under My Canopy (Drops Oct 9/MPress Records/51:36). Recorded in CT & the Hudson Valley & produced by Ms. Sage with Mikhail Pivovarov (acoustic bass/claps/bgv).
Ok, she’s not Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell, Blondie or Beyonce. Who cares? Rachael (piano/Wurlitzer/acoustic guitar/percussion) always has a good contemporary, sophisticated voice, wonderfully creative with mature song themes. The primarily acoustic tracks begin with “Just Enough” & it comes in a handsomely laminated CD package with attractive pictures. It contains 15 tracks that compliment her suave voice & well-written lyrics.
Ms. Sage has a peculiar style in her musical forte (like Dylan & Joni Mitchell) & that’s what makes her…unique. Lively acoustic tunes abound & “Live It Up” is one that includes a wall of strings in a Beatlesque style. Some songs are whispery, but Rachael applies that sparingly & with skill. “Belong To You,” has harmonica & cello with piano – a nice contrast.
Her impressive instrumental string piece features David Krakauer’s clarinet coupled with Rob Curto’s accordion on “Le Reve” is an interlude good enough to be a motion picture theme. Rachael should explore that avenue. Exceptional Euro-melody. One minor misstep: the string driven “God Bless America” would’ve been a wise closer. It’s penetrating, emotional, & lovely. This is one of the year’s best albums.
I like Rachael Sage. Respect her musical efforts. She’s inspirational & a consistently superb artist.
Highlights – “Just Enough,” “Canopy,” “Live It Up,” “Belong To You,” “The Best Version,” “Kill the Clock,” “Nexus,” “Le Reve” & “God Bless of America.”
Musicians – Kristen Ford & Seth Glier (vocals), Dave Eggar & Ward Williams (cellos), Kelly Halloran (violin/bgv), Kerry Brooks (upright bass), Andy Mac (drums/percussion/bgv/acoustic guitar), Quinn & Doug Yowell (drums/percussion), Trina Hamlin (harmonica/bgv), Will Wilde (harmonica), Kevin J. Killen (acoustic guitar/bgv), James Mastro (Resonator slide), Jack Petruzzelli, Ben Butler & Christie Lenee (acoustic guitars), Annalyse & Ryan (bgv).
Color image from Rachael’s Bandcamp. CD cover photo by Anna Azarov. CD @ Bandcamp & https://rachaelsage.com/
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: Song Premiere: Rachael Sage & the Sequins “Everyday”