Bristol County Tides
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Listen to Bristol County Tides
The Brooklyn songstress Annie Keating returns with her 8th album, and she’s joined by Teddy Kumpel, Steve Williams and Todd Caldwell, among others, for a pandemic record that tells the story of finding inspiration and human connection in uncertain times.
“Third Street” starts the listen with firm electric guitar as Keating’s warm brand of Americana is highlighted by her expressive pipes and rugged yet melodic approach, and this formula continues to the poetic and calm “Kindred Spirit”, as well as the breezy, rootsy flavor of “Marigold”.
The middle of the album remains just as poised, with the pretty, folk influenced “Half Mast”, while “High Tide” benefits from precise drumming from Williams and Kumpel’s soaring guitars. “Song For A Friend”, one of the album’s best, then resonates with eloquence as Gerald Menke’s glowing pedal steel adds much appeal to the thoughtful climate.
Closer to the end, the lush and rhythmic “Lucky 13” highlights Caldwell’s meticulous organ prowess as Keating’s versatile pipes impress, and “Goodbye” appropriately exits the listen with some country nods in its shuffling pace of grace and playfulness.
Keating and her family holed up at a family cottage for an unexpected 5 months when the pandemic hit New York hard, and it was there that these songs were born. An articulate, intimate and powerful body of work, it’s among Keating’s best yet, and that’s no easy feat considering her track record.
Travels well with: Ted Russell Kamp- Solitaire; Brigitte Demeyer- Seeker