Begin Again
KZZ, 2022
8/10
The Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Mary Scholz returns with a 3rd solo album, and it’s very topical take on post-pandemic grief and optimism that illustrates a very unique and flourishing brand of Americana.
“Happy Birthday” opens the listen with much warmth and intimacy, as Scholz’s stirring pipes are complemented by Ben Peeler’s atmospheric pedal steel and Ed Maxwell’s strategic upright bass, and “Talk To Me” follows with a more upbeat flavor that benefits from Ted Russel Kamp’s fluid upright bass and Jonathan Wilson’s well timed synth moments.
In the middle, “Strength Hope You” finds itself in minimal areas of sublime beauty thanks to Will Gramling’s graceful piano, while “One Thing Left To Do” is more drum and percussion focused, and spotlights Jorge Balbi’s strengths in both those areas with no lack of rhythm.
“Devotion” and “Holy Man” exit the listen, where the former touches on folk ideas amid Zachary Ross’melodic electric guitar and Scholz’s breezy acoustic guitar and flowing vocals, and the latter exits with much emphasis on mood and tone in the very eloquent climate.
Scholz is surrounded by an all-star cast of musicians, and her own skills are certainly first rate, too, as a fascinating and artistic version of Americana is present and appreciated.
Travels well with: Derek Hoke- Electric Mountain; Lilly Winwood- Time Well Spent