Carter Sampson already has the prestigious accolade of ‘Albumof the Year 2016’ in her bank for the immaculately connective WILDER SIDE and
now sights are set as where her new record LUCKY ascends to on its meandering
and exploratory journey. For this is how her music gets around, no big bang
just a slow burning saunter around the musical collections of the discerning
listener. Luckily, for Carter, the twin bait of the sumptuous song wrapped in
an enticing voice is attracting more and more folks. The new album finally gets
its formal UK release via Continental Recording Services on June 8th,
although many are already captivated by its availability at her live shows and
a brief exposure on the streaming wires. Release day may be an extra focal
point, but just a mere spot on the eventual journey of an album destined to
favourably project the music of this Oklahoma based artist.
There is a therapeutic appeal to listening to Carter Sampson.
The voice encapsulates the spirit of her delicately spun songs, although on
this album she diligently dips into the works of others on three separate occasions.
Yet there is still a purposeful side to her song writing bringing out the best
in the archetypal Oklahoma songwriter stretching back from the archives of Guthrie to the
contemporary musings of Fullbright and Moreland. Catching the ear on the
writing front in a recorded format for the first time is the engaging tale of ‘Rattlesnake Kate’. A long term favourite
of her live set and one that chronicles the endearing story of a feisty character
in full quirky mode. Americana storytelling at its best.
An emerging thought whilst listening to Carter Sampson
intently is a vocal resemblance to Miranda Lambert, or vice-versa if you choose
sides. Maybe it is an Oklahoma/Texas axis or just a thought that Miranda wants to be more like Carter. No doubt, an exchange is on the table for a price.
Just like her previous album, and a little further back to MOCKINGBIRD SONG, it is the overall vibes of a record rather than a
monster track that lifts it above the pack. Yet many golden nuggets wait to be
mined as each track is explored. At the outset, ‘Lucky’ sets the theme of being grateful to possess the opportunity to
make a living from writing and performing songs. However, the real good fortune lies
in those feasting on the gorgeous music made.
Strict detail to the accompanying soundtrack for this
selection of songs as led Carter in the direction of several acclaimed Oklahoma
musicians including Jared Tyler, who was last seen in the UK playing impressive
sidekick to Malcolm Holcomb. Americana will be the overriding label attached to
the music especially from an overseas perspective, but Carter can mix it with
the perceived country hierarchy in the heartfelt way she immerses herself into
each song. At the concluding point of the album, she ditches the song writer
tag and takes on the role of the quintessential country singer ripping the
sentiment out of the much covered Shel Silverstein song ‘Queen of the Silver Dollar’.
While on the subject of exploring the work of other writers,
the decision to be the first to record the blissful song ‘Hello Darlin’’ is a shrewd decision. This outstanding track was
penned by Zac Copeland, who was also responsible for the Kalyn Fay state
inspired song ‘Tulsa’. This track
takes the theme of the rivalry between the twin urban centres of Oklahoma City
and Tulsa before slinking into murkier waters of identity and deceit.
Of the remaining Carter Sampson-penned originals, ‘All I Got’ spins out its mesmeric tones,
adorned with the memorable line ‘walked a mile in another man’s shoes, while ‘Ten Penny Nail’ takes its inspiration from
a turbulent episode in the Guy and Susanna Clark story. So why not use a
song-writing great to write a great new song.
The term ‘wild’ reappears in this record courtesy of ‘Wild Ride’ revealing the album in a
satiable comforting mood as the vibes take root. These really begin to sink
deep in the early stages where ‘Anything
Else To Do’ and ‘Peaches’ herald
a delectable sound, fully confirming that the echoes of WILDER SIDE are fully
transmitted to LUCKY.
Carter Sampson is right at the heart of a bunch of American singer-songwriters
currently creating waves in Europe, fully adept at exporting their own unique
style of Americana. LUCKY will be around for a long time and is well on the way
towards matching the heights of WILDER SIDE. This is captivating music capable
of shifting through a pile of mixed emotions to find the primal point.
www.cartersampson.net