Sometimes there is a duet etched in destiny, and such a union
has come to fruition in the album release of MOCKINGBIRD SOUL by Brigitte
DeMeyer and Will Kimbrough. Their working relationship has stretched back a few
years and now the association is sealed with the shared billing on an album
capturing intently the intricacies of their compatible styles. The overarching
effect of listening to this record is being drawn into a house concert setting
and letting two contrasting performers take control of your sub-conscious. This
is pure unfiltered roots music dashed with a slice of soul and various other
signature sounds from the synonymous American music hierarchy.
For Brigitte, this is just over two years on from her last album, the well-received SAVANNAH ROAD which particularly raised her profile overseas with
its swampy vocals and southern sensibilities. Delving deeper into the
backgrounds of the two artists, it transpires that Will had the archetypal upbringing in the South as opposed to Brigitte’s West Coast one. Nevertheless
the results of this collaboration are rich in the texture of southern soil and successfully
present a vocal blending supplemented by acoustic artistry.
Will Kimbrough is a name that has cropped up on the album
credits of so many outstanding releases over the years. It is encouraging that
he has come more to the forefront on this record and not only is the trademark
guitar playing omnipresent, his vocals perform a strong role, whether in duet
harmony or stand -alone segments.
The album consists of twelve tracks with a cover of the
Incredible String Band’s ‘October Song’
being the odd one out in writing circles. Subsequent listens to the album never
get close to outstaying the forty-plus minute time required to savour its entirety
and it will have its relevance in the UK elevated when the pair undertake a tour
in March. There is always something special about getting the extra dimension
of the live listening opportunity when taking in a new release. While this
element shouldn’t influence the judgement of a recording, albums like this are
geared up to replicate the moments when music reaches out such as those in a live
setting.
‘Mockingbird Soul’
doubles up its role as title track alongside being one of the standout songs complete
with the connotations of the title living and breathing within the four minutes of the duration. ‘Broken Fences’ indicates early in the
record that Will is going to play a valuable vocal role and make it a balanced
appeal on this aspect. Towards the latter stages, ‘Honey Bee’ sees Brigitte deliver the ultimate sultry moment and sign
off the jazzy blues input.
Like so many albums that make the review cut here,
MOCKINGBIRD SOUL is entirely free of dud efforts and further proof that the
entity of the LP is entrenched for the long term. American roots music is
packed to the hilt with accomplished duet performances; Brigitte DeMeyer and
Will Kimbrough have ensured there is space for at least one more in 2017.
wwwbrigittedemeyer.com
UK Tour Dates March 2017
- Thu 23 The Kenlis Arms Garstang Unplugged, Barnacre nr Garstang, Lancs
- Fri 24 The Argyll Hotel, Glasgow
- Sat 25 Haile Village Hall Haile, Cumbria
- Mon 27 Green Note, London
- Tue 28 Kingsmead House Concerts, High Wycombe
- Wed 29 St. John’s Church, Farncombe Music Club, Farncombe, Surrey
- Fri 31 St. George's Hall Bewdley, Worcs.
