String Of Pearls
MQGV, 2021
8/10
The Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Annabelle Chvostek brings a very worldly slant to this 6th album, where her Slovakian heritage and connections to Uruguay enter the diverse and sophisticated String Of Pearls.
“Je t’ai vue hier soir” starts the listen with a shuffling pace of intricate musicianship that showcases playful vibraphones as Chvostek sings superbly in French, and the frisky jazz of the title track follows with much attention to mood, and just might get you on the dance floor.
Entering the middle, “D’etre humain” offers a soft and warm display of cabaret-folk ideas, while “Come Back” brings a vaudeville spirit to the album highlight, where Chvostek hits some pretty high notes. “Just The Right Bullets” then takes that lead with plenty of tension amid bright storytelling the embraces some gypsy jazz nods.
Closer to the end, the carnivalesque “The Fool” makes great use of accordion alongside soulful brass, and “Baby Baby Baby” exits the listen with a twinkling approach of lullaby friendly song craft that’s dreamy, pretty and soothing.
Formerly of The Wailin’ Jennys, Chvostek’s got a lengthy and esteemed career in music, but one that’s also been plagued with health problems, including hearing loss and tinnitus. Despite those setbacks, her accomplished blend of modern folk, charming tango, timeless jazz and even Tom Waits-ian carnival rock makes String Of Pearls an exploratory, fascinating and absorbing listening experience.
Travels well with: Moon- Shine; Mare Wakefield & Nomad- No Remedy