Kathleen Grace – No Place To Fall – Monsoon Records MS204 vinyl (43:10) or CD (48:10), [5/13/14] ****1/2:
(Kathleen Grace – vocals; Eric Kertes – electric bass, double bass; David Steele – acoustic, electric guitars; David Raven – drums; Will Gramling – piano, organ; Tim Young – electric guitar; Greg Leisz – pedal steel guitar; Jamie Drake – vocals; Leslie Stevens – vocals; Patrick Park – vocals; Anthony Wilson – electric guitar)
Not many jazz artists attempt a full crossover into country music. Native Tucsonian Kathleen Grace had established a career as a jazz artist. She released three critically acclaimed albums (Sunrise/2005; Songbird/2007 and Mirror/2008), but things changed. After listening to Leonard Cohen singing “Suzanne”, she began to explore country music performers, like John Prine, Dolly Parton and Kitty Wells. This eventually led to the recording of a new country album
Monsoon Records has released No Place To Fall in two formats, standard CD (with ten tracks) and vinyl (nine tracks). With an assortment of covers and original compositions, Grace (with the help of a top notch band and guest players) has initiated a winning debut in country music. And what better way to open a country album than with the laid-back melancholy of Townes Van Zandt on the title cut. With a languid beat and sorrowful guitars (including pedal steel), the unique essence of weary romance is expressed. Grace’s voice meshes perfectly with the band. Her vocals are subtle, but she reflects a deep sentiment. Her songwriting is lyrical and allows narrative imagery “I’m On Fire” uses a desert campfire to articulate the intensity of love. Her vocals are evocative, with ethereal accents and touches of upper register vocalese. The band mix contributes to the overall delicacy. In a traditional country waltz, “Fine Young Woman” pays homage to the singer’s mother.
Choosing interesting songs can be a defining element of a good album. Tom Waits’ “The Briar And The Rose” is a compelling, gospel hymn. Grace is joined by Jamie Drake and Leslie Stevens who contribute a verse apiece. But the trio glows in three-part harmony. Another fresh take is Grace’s version of Meat Puppets’ “Plateau”. This band has been described as ‘country-punk” and the arrangement resonates with harder rock edges. Reaching back to elegant jazz roots, “Mood Indigo” assumes a country twang, but with all the requisite jazz/blues flourishes that an Ellington opus commands. There is an innate connection to the soulful core of country and blues, and Grace nails it.
No Place To Fall pushes the boundaries of country music. “The Colour Of Spring” (only available on the CD) is a spacey, emotional song that is deliberate and utilizes a church organ (Will Gramling) and guitar echos for texture. Additionally there are some agile chord shifts. Grace has a feel for the nuances of country. “Goodnight” (also in waltz time) exudes the relaxed elegance of Americana.
Both the vinyl and CD format sound excellent. There is advanced clarity on the digital CD album. The vinyl captures some of the distortion (on electric guitar and especially bass). For the most part, individual preferences for sound will determine which reproduction best suits a listener. Either way, it will be worth it!
TrackList: (Vinyl) = Side A: No Place To Fall; Emma; I’m On Fire; Fine Young Woman; Plateau
Side B: Mood Indigo; The Briar And The Rose; Blame It On My Youth; Goodnight
TrackList: (CD) = No Place To Fall; Emma; I’m On Fire; Fine Young Woman; Plateau; Mood Indigo; The Colour Of Spring; The Briar And The Rose; Blame It On My Youth; Goodnight
—Robbie Gerson
