This Traditional Roots Music Is Respective of Another Time With Modern Clarity
Once again I come across a collection of fine Americana and traditional roots music that is being played and performed by young people who “get it.” This music is alive and well in the respective hands of these Vermont musicians who have produced a short six track EP of exhuberant, yet sensitive roots music.
Beginning with the traditional “House Carpenter,” the trio of Liz Simmons, Lissa Schneckenburger and Flynn Cohen tackle a tune that has been covered by many folk artists including Bob Dylan. Yet, their take is fresh and it sounds as if this song is brand new which means even an old tune can be new again – in the right hands.
While the song is moody, the vocalizing is reminicent and silky like Alison Krauss. Liz provides enchanting vocals and guitar. Throughout the album, Lissa chimes in as well with vocals and fiddle with Flynn adding vocals, guitar and lots of mandolin. On track two, there is the addition of a trombone by Fred Simmons and Corey DiMario who plays double bass on all tracks.
“The Girl’s Not Mine,” is a Lissa original – and it is infused with the traditional emotive notes and arrangement. The ladies harmony, the combination of fiddle and three-part trombone lines translates wonderfully into a riveting folk song. The trio takes roots music into areas that have not been explored fully and it sounds exceptional and refreshing. The sound is refined, laid back and that makes it so much more intimate a recording. On headphones it’s really up-close. As if they sing into your ears as you are dozing – all the while smiling.
The third track is a Flynn Cohen original and it’s an instrumental that weaves fiddle (Lissa) and mandolin (Flynn) together. “Northern Spy,” cooks like most Irish reels with a relentless melody and a precise cohesion. Happiness, joy and optimism runs through these notes like fallen autumn leaves in a fast stream.
Liz’s original “Adventurer,” and Flynn’s original “All Roads Lead to You,” are laid back gems. The harmonies are tight and smooth like satin. The interchange between mandolin and fiddle: golden. This is not foot-stomping, whiskey-drinking roots music. However, even in this controlled, warm and sincere showcase your foot will be tapping regardless. The line “fly so high you can’t come down,” is reminicent of the masterful classic 1970’s song “Hymn,” by the English band Barclay James Harvest who used a similar line to great majestic effect. (Available on YouTube).
“All Roads Lead to You,” is sung by Flynn – and the addition of the female vocals is gripping. There is nothing lame here, and because there are only six tracks Low Lily has concentrated on focusing on tight arrangements, originality and compelling melodies for their songs. Their material is not wholly Alison Krauss in nature – but, far more entrenched in traditional values, old world folk be it Irish, Celtic, English or Scottish. There is a flicker of Appalachian feel in some of their songs but it doesn’t overwhelm the ear. The aged sound is not retro either – but respective of another time with modern clarity and a restrained power.
The closer is the instrumental “Cherokee Shuffle / Lucky,” and the fiddle saws with bright notes, full sound and some sparks. As restrained at times as Low Lily is they are exemplyfying a new frontier om Americana as their press release suggests. I can hear it. There is no reason young ears wouldn’t find something here that is appealing. My only suggestion? Another fiddle – a different fiddle tuned lower or higher as needed. The dueling banjo sound would lend just enough fire to their showcase to keep audiences riveted. A two-female fiddle band called Burning Bridget Cleary use this to great effect and there is no reason Low Lily couldn’t too.
Their entire intention is well-managed and their EP recorded excellently produced by Low Lily with Scott Nygaard in Vermont.
As lean as this band is (a trio with some guests) they have a sound that is captured in a wonderfully initimate manner by Alan Stockwell who recorded and mixed the collection.
Website: http://www.lowlily.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/LowLilyBand
Music: http://www.lowlily.com/videos-music/
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review / commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of No Depression. All photography is owned by the respective photographers and is their copyrighted image; credited where photographer’s name was known & being used here solely as reference and will be removed on request.
John Apice / No Depression / January 2016