Full Circle
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The South Carolina guitarist and songwriter Grace McNally makes quite an impression with this debut album, where a very worldly approach that embraces plenty of help from friends makes for a highly unique listen.
The listen opens with the charmingly warm '“Asa Branca”, where Gino Castillo’s cozy guitar complements McNally’s strong attention to detail and Jonathan Lovett’s playful organ, and “Bells Of Rio” follows with a mesmerizing quality that comes with plenty of melody amid the upbeat climate.
In the middle, “Give Me Water” recruits The Plantation Singers for the soulful and collaborative, cultured album highlight, while “Bahia” welcomes a stirring intimacy thanks to the pretty guitar playing that builds into a group chanting and rhythmic landscape.
Close to the end, “Me Done Done” benefits much from Tim Khayat’s bass and Abdiel Iriarte’s fluid piano amid much hand clapping and festive fun, and “Open Door” exits with Marcus Amaker’s spoken word populating the infectious energy.
A truly original listen that hosts classical ideas, traditional folk nods, Afro-Brazilian fusion and both busy and bare voices, you’re not going to hear anything like this anywhere else, and that’s a big part of the allure.
Travels well with: Lisa Marie Simmons- Notespeak 12; Leon Foster Thomas- Calasanitus