Tucson
Windbone, 2022
8/10
The Nashville singer-songwriter Amy Speace returns with her most personal record to date, where her diverse and very literate folk songs are fueled by the loss of her father, the repercussions of the pandemic and the depression that she sought help for in Tucson.
“Cottonwood” opens the listen with warm piano from Danny Mitchell, as Speace’s gorgeous pipes enter the poetic climate alongside stirring strings, and “If You Fall” follows with gentle acoustic guitar amid the soothing harmonies and gospel angle of the dreamy album highlight.
In the middle, “Little Red”recruits finger picking balladry and Juan Soloranzo’s strategic lap steel to the gorgeous landscape, while “Blues For Joy” pairs electric guitar and pedal steel for a moody, indeed bluesy display of sublime self-reflection.
Approaching the end, “The Offering” presents much atmosphere in the gospel-folk demeanor that’s orchestral in nature, and the fullest tune, “My Father’s House”, exits the listen with sing-alongs, Josh Britt’s mandolin, Dean Marold’s upright bass and Neilson Hubbard’s light drumming adding much grace and playfulness.
Amazingly, Speace tracked this album in under 2 days. However, she’s spent most of her life figuring out how to write it, and whether you’re a first time listener or a longtime fan, her intimate and forthright song craft will certainly strike a chord.
Travels well with: Pieta Brown- Freeway; Gretchen Peters- Dancing With The Beast