2009-05-11
The singer/songwriter with the Stanford computer science degree is back with another set of piano-driven narratives, many of them decorated with lush string accompaniment and choral arrangements. In this set, she uses references to seasons, times and places to express her songs of emotions and relationships (her "inland territory"), mostly to impressive effect. Check out the wintry opener ("The Last Snowfall"), the "armistice" images ("Antebellum"), the time-jumping lovers ("In Another Life"), the Berlin Wall ("St. Stephen's Cross") and even a call to St. Augustine ("Augustine"). Here's an artist who uses history, philosophy and theology to full effect -- and creates gorgeous melodies and moods in the process. Note the contributions of Kaki King, too.THE AUTUMN DEFENSE
The Autumn Defense
VARIOUS ARTISTS
A Tribute to Joni Mitchell
BEAR IN HEAVEN
Time Is Over One Day Old
Jeb Loy Nichols
Days Are Mighty
ALICE SMITH
For Lovers, Dreamers & Me
Kate Pierson
Guitars And Microphones
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.