Back To The Light
Vessel, 2024
9/10
The multi-instrumentalist Heather Pierson is joined by Shawn Nadeau, Craig Bryan and Leah Boyd for these 7 songs that were recorded in 2023 but shelved, plus a more recent tune that takes us on a trip from New Orleans through the lush landscape of Appalachia.
The warm and playful piano of “Dusty House Blues” starts and spotlights Pierson’s incredible voice that sounds right at home in the Big Easy, and “Up Here In The Mountains” follows with Bryan’s skilled drums complementing Pierson’s graceful keys and distinct pipes.
In the middle is where “Nails Trimmed And Clean” and “Perspective” reside. The former uses Nadeau’s lively bass amid the soulful singing, while the latter comes with melody and relatable wordplay that’s wise.
Deeper still, Boyd’s cozy backing vocals across “Back To The Light” adds much to the intimacy, and “Gutter”, the only song not recorded in 2023, has Pierson playing banjo for the bluegrass influenced finish that carries a nostalgic mood.
It’s a good thing that Pierson revisited these recordings and released them, cause her diverse brand of Americana is smart, vintage friendly and executed with a spontaneous, feel good quality.
Travels well with: Carolyn Shulman- Heart On A Wire; Ashley E. Norton- Call Of The Void