Leap Taken
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
A pianist and singer-songwriter who cut his teeth playing open mics around New York City, these days Brendan James is enjoying an esteemed career where he returns with this first album since 2013 that’s compromised of songs that were birthed during and following a worldwide trip with his family.
“Through Our Hands” starts the listen with James’ soft, expressive vocals as upbeat piano enters the thoughtful pop song about his around the world journey, and “Penny” follows with subtle ambience as crisp percussion fills the busy melodies as the song addresses watching his kids’ grow up.
In the middle, “White Whale” offers a calmer moment of soulful, beat driven sounds that are emotive and adventurous, while “Alone Together” is a polished display of piano pop that’s quite relative to today’s new normal of Covid isolation. “Wake Up”, a late album stand out, then moves with a darker quality as James showcases his vast skill both lyrically and musically.
Near the end, “Falling” emits sublime balladry that’s intimate and powerful, and “Transformation” exits the listen with one of the most dynamic tracks present, where James explores his storytelling and fluid pipes with much creativity.
James planned on releasing this album much earlier this year, but of course the world wasn’t in the best place to be receptive to it then. While it still may not be, his bright, eloquent and timeless craft certainly needs to be enjoyed, and his strategic synth and Craig Meyers’ help on production makes this a career highlight for James, which, if you’ve heard any of his other work, speaks volumes.
Travels well with: Dave Barnes- Stories To Tell; Jon McLaughlin- Promising Promises