The Sweetwater Sessions
Bad Dog, 2020
8/10
Listen to The Sweetwater Sessions
Jonatha Brooke has an impressive resume that includes over a dozen albums, song placement on well known TV shows and films, as well as being CEO of her own record label. Here, the veteran songstress reworks 11 tunes from her vast catalog and delivers them in a studio live setting, where Nick D’Virgilio, Dave Martin and Phil Naish help flesh out the affair.
“Taste Of Danger” starts the listen with Brooke’s strong, smooth vocals alongside graceful piano as guitar and drums enter the thoughtful setting, and “Prodigal Daughter” follows with a thicker display of emotive rock that seems indebted to the ‘90s in all the best ways.
Deeper into the listen, “Back In The Circus” offers plenty of tuneful melodies as Brooke illustrates much range in her proficient vocals, while “Midnight. Hallelujah” moves with playful percussion as a breezy backdrop aligns with upbeat storytelling. “Glass Half Empty”, one of the album’s best, then embraces modern pop ideas alongside Brooke’s timeless brand of accomplished song craft.
Near the end, “Full Fledged Strangers” trims the pace back with warm balladry that builds into an acoustic guitar friendly landscape, and “I’ll Try” exits the listen with sublime keys guiding the powerful finish to a very enthusiastic recording.
Brooke was one of the early musicians going the independent route when she was dropped by a major label in the ‘90s, and has enjoyed a very prolific and accomplished career with legions of unwavering fans of her pop, rock and folk based tunes. This collection is an ideal starting point for the first time listener, and absolutely essential if you already have Brooke on rotation.
Travels well with: Erin McKeown- Manifestra; Dawn Landes- My Tiny Twilight