It is always a joy hearing a vocalist for the first time and immediately being hit with so much quality, warmth and emotion you begin to question why this voice hasn’t saturated the airwaves. Carrie Rodriguez has an immediate charm and beauty about her vocal style. Her new release, Love and Circumstance is a brilliant example of a young vocalist who is musically wise beyond her years. This is a collection of material written by some of the best songwriters in the music business. Ry Cooder, John Hiatt, Nick Lowe, Lucinda Williams, Richard Thompson, Gillian Welch, Merle Haggard, and Hank Williams penned some of the masterworks we hear beautifully from Rodriquez. She takes their poetry and makes her own while taking it to a new level of style and grace. A true collection of masterpieces she has transcribed honestly and without compromise.
The album begins nicely with “Big Love” showing Carrie’s emotional vocals punctuating every note as they work seamlessly with the percussive accents within the song. She builds it slowly as she takes it from calm to intense perfectly pleasing the ears with every nuance of tone. Julie and Buddy Miller's “Wide River to Cross” is smoothly delivered by both Carrie and band as the wonderful vocal, excellent dynamics and musical arrangement exhibit a classic. Beautiful guitar and chorus made this the first favorite on the recording.
“When I heard Gypsy Davy sing” is warm and spacious with its soft shuffling drums and picked guitar. It slowly lays down the sound like velvet carrying Carrie’s heavenly vocals as she dances lightly amongst the brilliance. “Eyes on the Prize” shows Carrie’s musical talents as she not only takes this traditional styled romp vocally, but also plays fiddle and tenor guitar with a master’s approach. The second favorite to grace my ears, “Steal Your Love” takes us from another spacious beginning to a brilliant slow build with a sweet arrangement, keen dynamics and memorable drama. This tune labels itself as an instant classic with each note.
“Waltzing’s for Dreamers” is a cozy, swaying waltz with great guitar tones and desperate vocals that make the heart ache with each turn. Sustaining an excellent feel, Carrie and the band are deep in the pocket executing this tune with perfect mood and emotion. Another stroke across the heartstrings, “I’m not for love” is wonderfully affectionate, comforting and overwhelming in size considering its simple arrangement. It is a warm musical touch and gentle emotional embrace.
David Rawlings and Gillian Welch are blessed when their song “I made a Lover’s Prayer” crosses the lips of Rodriguez. Already on my top ten for this year, Carrie and band play this with a masterful feel making it hard not to listen over and over again. It is an excellent piece of music. “I started loving you again” makes any Merle Haggard fan proud as Carrie again brings you into the songwriter’s heart with all the accuracy of a razor. A great interpretation and vocal, its shuffle and bottom holds true to classic country delivery. “Rex’s Blues” proves again that this artist can deliver a tune to break a heart, provoke a tear and create a smile all while holding a life’s worth of soul in each sentence. This is another reason why Rodriguez has nothing but platinum skies in her future.
Hearing “I’m so lonesome I could cry”, tells you that Hank Williams would weep with joy for Carrie’s truthful delivery. With no fluff, the vocals dance between warm plucks of guitar. This song shows the true wonder in this girl’s voice. Concluding with the beautiful “La Puñalada Trapera”, Rodriguez sings the Spanish lyrics with a heavenly caress and warm kiss. This is a tasteful ending to a wonderful collection of music.
"Love and Circumstance" is on sale March 4, 2010 from Ninth Street Opus.
