Nathaniel
Talbot Quartet – Here In The Fields (Independent)
Natives of the Pacific Northwest, Nathaniel Talbot
and his group (Sam Howard - upright bass, Russ Kleiner - drums and Anna Tivel -
violin), play a sophisticated form of chamber-folk that’s rooted in their rural
environs, though it utterly transcends any particular locale or area. Talbot is
a chronicler of the human condition, in its many forms, and the play between
his finger-picked guitar and Tivel’s violin provides a delicate, otherworldly
atmosphere, and one that is wholly captivating. Talbot’s voice possesses a
James Taylor cadence, which compliments both his songs and their introverted
arrangements. Rhythmically there doesn’t seem too much going on, but Howard and
Kleiner are masters of restraint; never intrusive or overbearing, but providing
subtle sustenance for the songs and strings.
As for the songs, they’re a substantial and
satisfying collection. Talbot gets inside his themes with some skill and his
sweeping melodies and vocal hooks are difficult to ignore. Opening track
“Jamestown” is a perfect example. Its appeal lies in Talbot’s way with words,
the fine arrangement and the sublime interaction of the group. “Edison” is just wonderful, the voices and the ebb and
flow of the composition enchants and charms. “The Great
Levee” is perhaps the most “country” of the songs on “Here In The
Fields” but nothing too obvious, and it certainly registers as yet another
standout moment from an album that seems to be chock full of them.
Phil S.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.