Down Where The Valleys Are Low
Storysound, 2021
9/10
Listen Down Where The Valleys Are Low
A tribute record to the troubled yet brilliant singer-songwriter Judee Sill, Lorenzo Wolff handles drum programming, synth, guitars, lap steel and about 10 other instruments on this very well thought out project, where a different lead singer for each track gives it a varied quality while still very much being anchored to Sill’s under appreciated and articulate vision.
The title track starts the listen with soulful vocals from Mary-Elaine Jenkins, as Jon Cowherd’s strategic piano and Emily Holden’s violin add much to the spiritual quality of the expressive opener, and “The Pearl” follows with a rootsy flavor as Bartees Strange provides his versatile pipes amid Ryan Weisheit’s saxophone and Simon Kafka’s strong electric guitar.
Landing near the middle is “Crayon Angels”, where Grace McLean’s soft and agile singing radiates as Wolffe’s playful electronic work complements Scott Metzger’s guitar on the industrial like buzzing, while “The Kiss” is pure power and emotion as Emily Holden’s voice and Eric Finland’s Wurlitzer create a dreamy expanse of much beauty.
Near the end, “There’s A Rugged Road” places Osei Essed’s deep vocals front and center as Jeremy Gustin’s drumming, Bobby Hawk’s violin and Grant Gordy’s acoustic guitar texture the album highlight with a gospel slant, and “The Phoenix” exits the listen with Bobby Hawk and Kate Ferber on vocals in a country-rock meets psychedelic haze that leaves us wishing there were more than 7 tracks present.
Though Sill never achieved the success of her label mates Joni Mitchell or Tom Waits, her two proper albums gained her a loyal fanbase that still exists today. Sadly, she died in 1979 at the age of 35 from a drug overdose, so for many people this tribute will be their first taste of Judee Sill, which, of course, is a great place to start.
Travels well with: Jesca Hoop- The House That Jack Built; Marissa Nadler- The Sister