Moon Child
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
A Minnesota multi-instrumentalist and rising songstress, though Kelley Smith may have gotten into songwriting later than most, she makes quite an impression with these 5 folk friendly originals that are quite personal and contain much sincerity and warmth.
The title track starts the listen with cozy acoustic guitar and Smith’s inimitable, expressive singing in the gentle folk climate, and “Marriage” follows with Christopher Merrill’s skilled upright bass complementing the very pretty vocals and well timed, subtle percussion from Lyle Molzan.
The middle track belongs to “Dust”, which emits a very poetic intimacy thanks to Smith’s eloquent storytelling and stirring guitar, while “Tea And Whiskey” brings Merrill’s bass back for the Americana tinted landscape. “I’ll Let Go” exits the listen, and displays Smith’s violin prowess across the cautious, orchestral influenced finish that arrives far too soon.
Smith provides vocals, bells, harmonica, acoustic guitar and violin, and Joel Schwartz handles Resonator guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, tenor banjo, mandolin, and keyboards for this unassuming and easily enjoyable quick listen that is hopefully the precursor to an LP.
Travels well with: Sarah Morris- All Mine; Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter