A White Album
Precipitous, 2022
9/10
The 5th collaboration between the singer-songwriter Rain Perry and the multi-instrumentalist Mark Hallman, the 7 originals and 2 covers here welcome a few guests as Perry explores her own family history.
“Melody And Jack” opens the listen with much beauty and grace, as soft, expressive singing is met with folk and pop friendly instrumentation, and “The Money” follows with playful drumming and a cozy spirit that showcases much melody and timelessness amid some funk tendencies.
In the middle, “None Of Us Are Free” brings a bit of soul into the equation with help from BettySoo, while “Indian Hill, Ohio. 1967” is a bare, dreamy display of poetic songwriting that’s soaked in beauty and warmth.
Nearing the end, the sophisticated strings of “Lady Of The Harbor” welcomes the Pihcintu Multicultural Chorus to the mature piano and gorgeous singing, and “This Is Water” exits with Ben Lee’s contributions on the lush vocal harmonies, punchy drumming and reflective tone.
Somewhere between rock, pop, folk, blues and soul, Perry’s own brand of Americana is wise, intelligent and resonates a confessional, absorbing quality that is quite charming.
Travels well with: Vanessa Peters- Modern Age; Lynne Hanson- Just Words