Canopy
Mpress, 2025
9/10
The prolific multi-instrumentalist Rachael Sage has 15 solo albums under her belt, and this full band setting offers another avenue of her folk-pop ways that invites some excellent musicians along.
The funky “Just Enough” starts with Sage’s alluring voice and Rob Curto's frisky organ playing, and the title track follows with Andy Mac's soft drums that complement Sage’s inviting voice and guitar.
Moving along, Dave Eggar’s sophisticated cello suits the poetic “Belong” to you, while the lush “Colorized World” meshes folk and chamber ideas with no lack of melody.
Sage tosses in the Buddy Holly cover “Everyday” in the middle, and it’s quite mature, and “Nexus” finds itself in cinematic territory, where the strings are utilized with a stirring capacity. “Underneath” exits, and it’s a cozy moment that invites singing-along to the charming, soothing pop.
No matter where you land in Sage’s catalog, you’re going to be impressed with her melodic, wise and compassionate song craft, and you can’t not mention Kelly Halloran (violin), Doug Yowell (percussion), James Mastro (guitar), Mikhail Pivovarov (bass) and Annalyse & Ryan (vocals), who bring much care to the occasion as well.
If you happen to pick up the deluxe vinyl edition, you’ll get orange wax and original paintings, too.
Travels well with: Rachael Sage- Another Side; Rachael Sage- Character