The Light Years
Be A Jane, 2024
9/10
The duo of Sarah Bonsignore and Ashley Riley, as The Magnolia Janes the pair bring their respective talents to 11 rich and diverse versions of Americana.
“Stones On The Road” starts the listen with warm vocal harmonies, as Bonsignore’s graceful keys are met with thumping drums for a folk-rock presence, and “Speed Of Life” follows with Riley’s cozy acoustic guitar complementing the stirring intimacy of the gentle delivery.
Further along, “Pretty Baby” welcomes soulful ideas via the dreamy guitar and expressive singing, while “Gotta Leave A Good Thing” spotlight Dubi Silverstein’s meticulous acoustic guitar, as the duo sing with much beauty and poeticism.
The title track lands near the end and uses emotive keys and stirring vocals, and “This Old World” exits with a powerful, piano ballad, where the pair both lend their inimitable voices via the passionate finish.
Riley and Bonsignore both have accomplished solo careers, and their combined talents make for a classical, rock, folk and opera influenced affair that’s universally relatable and tugs on the heartstrings.
Travels well with: Surrender Hill- River Of Tears; Lynne Hanson- Just A Poet