Sometimes, less definitely is more. Less music:
Callers' debut album is a bit short at 35 minutes, but definitely sweet, with not a single throwaway track on it to lessen its impact. Less musicians: singer Sara Lucas and guitarist Ryan Seaton are
Callers, and there are only two extra musicians supporting them. The core duo does a great job on its own -- Seaton's playing is varied, emotional, and atmospheric; Lucas' voice is an instant attention-grabber, with velvety tones, slightly bitter nasal overtones, and a wide range used artfully, the voice of a great jazz singer. And though limited in number, the supporting cast brings a lot instrumentation-wise, drummer Gus Martin also playing bass, and drummer Don Godwin also playing brass instruments (and they never appear together). The songs are beautifully crafted in a sweet-and-sour folk-meets-jazz vein that will turn your living room into a dark, smoky club, and set the mood for regrettable confessions. Highlights include the yearning "Valerie," the lighter "Rone," the fragmented "Debris," and the
Linda Perhacs-esque "The Upper Lands." A textural/experimental streak runs through Seaton's guitar playing, showing influences of
Ben Monder when in jazz mode,
Loren MazzaCane Connors in bluesier settings. Lucas' octave-jumping and sudden shifts from sweetness to sorrow evoke the young
Joni Mitchell, although she has her own personality. Folk singer/songwriters aficionados need to pay attention: either
Callers will be the next big thing on the scene, or
Fortune will become a sought-after rarity. Highly recommended. ~ François Couture