Into Blue
Self-Released, 2017
8/10
A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from San Francisco, Andrea Stray ventured to Nashville to lay down these 5 well thought out tracks, where the esteemed studio players J.T. Corenflos, Larry Beaird, David Dorn, Scotty Sanders, Eli Beaird and Eddie Bayers help illuminate Stray’s work.
Stray starts the listen with the dreamy and emotive title track, where intricate guitar and strategic keys aligns with her versatile pipes that suit the darker textures, and “Don’t Cry” follows with warm pedal steel entering the key heavy, lush delivery.
The remaining 3 tracks don’t disappoint either, and include the jazz friendly “Little Word”, where a soothing guitar solo makes an impression amid the lounge atmosphere, while “Forgive And Forget” offers a riff you won’t forget anytime soon as a rugged yet tuneful brand of Americana unfolds. “You’re The Kind” exits the listen and mixes guitar, cello and vocal harmonies together on a beautiful exit of sublime song craft.
A lifelong pursuer of music, Stray again proves her strong vocal prowess and songwriting ability on this very raw, sincere and timeless display of folk and Americana ideas that warrant revisiting.
Travels well with: Amie Penwell- Windows; Amy LaVere- Painting Blue