Love Is Why
Wildflowers Child, 2023
8/10
The New England singer-songwriter Kerri Powers returns with a first LP since 2018, and it’s a diverse 11 songs that recruits an all star cast for the thoughtful delivery.
“Rosie Blue” begins the listen with a very warm and eloquent climate of graceful singing and Bro Paul Brown’s well timed Hammond B3, and “Love Is Why” follows with Marco Giovino’s crisp drums complementing the rootsy flavor of the dreamy Americana.
In the middle, “Wine And Spirits” benefits much from Asa Brosius’ glowing pedal steel via the poetic delivery of intimacy, while “Please Call Home” features Paul Thorn’s expressive pipes and Marty Ballou’s precise upright bass to create a careful mood.
Near to the end, the rugged yet melodic “Rusted Bell” has Doug Lancio’s electric guitar supporting Powers’ guitar prowess and colorful singing, and “Are We Free” exits with Powers handling piano, too, in the emotive and honest song craft.
A listen that thematically surrounds grief and longing, there just isn’t a moment here that’s not genuine, personal and forthright, as Powers and company mesh blues, folk, Americana and soul with much skill and comfort.
Travels well with: Jason Lee McKinney Band- One Last Thing; The Barlow- New Year, Old Me