How Can I Say This?
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The long running singer-songwriter Annie Capps explores dark areas as well as light textures on this very literate, thoughtful love letter to her younger self that brings 40 female artists to the project.
“My Eden” opens the listen with Sav Buist’s sweet violin and viola and Katie Larson’s intimate cello complementing Capps’ sweet singing and warm guitar playing, and “Learning” follows with Diane Perry’s swift violin and Carolyn Koebel’s agile drumming helping make for a flowing folk landscape.
Further on, “The Punch” welcomes Judy Insley’s intimate mandolin and Jamie Baker’s well timed bass for the very bouncy delivery, while “The Silent” places Sue Demel on vocals in the haunting balladry that’s powerful and emotive.
Landing near the end, “Crowded” enlists a large chorus that helps make for an anthemic and upbeat folk affair that benefits from Cheryl Prashker’s drums and Capps’ impressive banjo playing, and “Yesterday” exits with timeless, melodic folk qualities thanks to Capps’ guitar, banjo and eloquent singing and Emily Slomovits’ graceful violin.
A very articulate body of work that revolves around folk and Americana sounds, Capps touches on innocence, shame and power distribution in this highly engaging and insightful recording.
Travels well with: The Heart Collectors- Timeless Space; Helen Townsend- Love, Lies ‘N’ Leaving