Borned In Ya
Thirty Tigers, 2024
9/10
The singer-songcrafter and upright bassist Melissa Carper returns with another batch of throwback songs, where jazz, blues, soul, and R&B meet at a very creative intersection.
The title track opens with plenty of gospel spirit, as Carper’s distinct voice is met with soulful backing vocals and Doug Corcoran’s bright trumpet, and “I Don’t Love You Anymore” follows with an intimate mood, where Chris Scruggs’ heartfelt guitar suits the emotive singing.
Further along, “There’ll Be Another One” benefits much from Carl Larson’s elegant strings that add much to the rich climate, while “That’s My Desire” welcomes John Pahmer’s graceful keys and Matty Meyer’s fluid drumming via the retro sensibilities.
Landing close to the end, the frisky album highlight, “Lucky Five”, makes great use of Chris Gelb’s animated drumming and Billy Contreras’ meticulous fiddle, and “Waxing And Waning” exits with a soothing quality, where the inimitable singing takes help from Matt Combs’ strings and Pahmer’s twinkling keys.
Yet another genre defying body of work from Carper, her western swing meets country-folk meets honky tonk flavor is again extraordinary and timeless.
Travels well with: Melissa Carper- Ramblin’ Soul; Melissa Carper- Daddy’s Country Gold