Heart Of The Swan
Propinquity, 2024
8/10
The Denver artist Carla Sciaky pens 14 rich and compelling folk songs, where many guests are on hand for the emotional and relatable stories.
The powerful and impactful “Standing By A River” starts the listen with an a capella delivery, and “Dear Mr. Bowers” follows with warm acoustic guitar that showcases meticulous finger picking amid gorgeous singing and light strings.
Moving closer to the middle, “Polly Vaughn/Too Easy To Break” welcomes octave mandolin from Hal Aqua for the soulful song craft, while “Some People’s Lives” is a mid-temp duet of sublime beauty that tugs on the heartstrings.
Further yet, “For Nyla” showcases Jesse Manno’s oud and Annie Aqua’s violin that complement the vivid storytelling, and “Psalm Of Life” exits with an old time feel thanks to Rafa Prendergast’s violin, Ben Cohen’s bass and lush vocal harmonies.
Sciaky plays guitar, violin, viola, concertina, harmonium and viola de gamba here, and along with the excellent cast it makes for both busy and bare moments of spiritual, relatable and timeless folk songs.
Travels well with: Kate McDonnell- Trapeze; Hana Zara- Bloom Where You Fall