Kaleidoscope
Belltown, 2021
8/10
A diverse multi-instrumentalist whose vision of songwriting rarely sits in a single genre, Hilary Scott moves deftly between the lush influence of her Washington home and the country nods of Nashville, where she recorded these tracks with some of Music City’s finest.
“Just A Shame” leads the listen and makes a warm impression with its cautious guitar and emotive singing from Scott that builds into a soaring display of dreamy Americana, and “Almost Home” follows with a surreal haze that benefits from Lonnie Wilson’s strong drumming alongside Jerry Kimbrough’s sturdy guitar work as a romantic climate unfolds.
The middle spot is occupied by “Too Much Is Not Enough”, where Scott’s versatile pipes guide a textured and rock driven display of playfulness, while “And Just” recruits key from Matthew Wilder as a musically calmer setting offers pop influences that includes Scott hitting some pretty high notes. “Free Country” exits the listen with drum programming and backing vocals from John Goodwin as Scott heads straight for the club with her horn friendly and cultured version of dance music.
A very appropriately titled EP, Scott plays music with a very eclectic appeal, and one that comes with much skill, grace and adventurousness across these 5 really superb tunes.
Travels well with: Ashleigh Lynn + The Riveters- Live From The Blue Moon; Beth Lee- Waiting On You Tonight