Many Worlds Theory
Crying Time, 2023
8/10
A very diverse version of country music, Jill Rogers and Crying Time incorporate rock, soul, and bluegrass into these lively and intricate 13 tracks.
“Birdsong” starts the listen with much warmth, as Rogers’ gorgeous pipes are met with cozy fiddle and fluid bass playing, and “California Waltz” follows with a hazy presence that benefits much from agile drumming and glowing pedal steel to complement the poetic singing.
Elsewhere, the rootsy flavor of “Many Words Theory” uses melodic guitar and expressive singing, while “I Only Cry When I’m Thinking” enters Mariachi territory with an energy that requires dancing thanks to its infectious brass.
Moving towards the end, “The Mess (That Used To Be Me)” brings both grit and melody to the country shuffling pace, and “You Left Me A Long Time Ago” exits with a graceful intimacy that’s cozy, adventurous and heartfelt.
Rogers is armed with an alluring and adaptable voice, and together with Ian Taylor Sutton (pedal steel), Maurice Tani (backing vocals), Jeanine Richardson (tambourine), Scott Larson (trombone) and Chris Grady (trumpet) Many Worlds Theory makes for an immediately memorable listen.
Travels well with: Laura Zucker- Lifeline; Helen Cronin- Landmarks