Singer/songwriter
Joy Eden Harrison makes her recording debut,showcasing a style that is a unique mix of jazzy, blues-inflected melodies with offbeat, slightly humorous lyrics. The daughter of conceptual artists,
Harrison was obviously influenced by the parade of visiting artists, musicians, and intellectuals who visited her home during her childhood. Her vocals and material have that ethereal tone found on records of the past; sort of a mix between
Suzanne Vega and
Billie Holiday. Her lyrics are often full of imagery. As on the languid title track,"Angel Town": "when the sun comes up on Angel Town/the streets are filled with tears/they run from your back door/through this sleeping neighborhood/down to the river." The sound of Dixieland swing is the basis of "I'll Be All Right,." The bouncy "Yesterday's a Thief," has sweeping accordion and a trumpet solo that recalls
Lester Young and
Chet Baker. The majority of the tracks are
Harrison originals, but there's a haunting version of
Tom Waits' "Grapefruit Moon," and a soft swing take on
Patsy Cline's "I Fall to Pieces." "Johnny Midnight" is slick, hepcat jazz. The forlorn "Silent Movie Love" has gentle muted riffing by
Buddy Blue and a dusky trumpet solo by Mitch Manker. The soft grit of "First Kisses" brings to mind midnight dalliances.
Joy Eden Harrison, through the filters of a former folkie, honors the rich,soft textures of traditional swing jazz. ~ Ed Hogan