Rachel Sage writes and plays folk/pop that is intelligent and
thought-provoking. It isn't progressive, yet many of Sea Of Tranquility's prog
fans would appreciate it anyway - it's approachable, yet quirky, emotional, and
although it's pure linear song-oriented stuff, the lyrics in most songs
contribute at least half of the artistry.
After hearing just a few of Sage's songs a comparison with 'righteous babe'
Ani DiFranco sprang to mind - which is high praise indeed. So it was no surprise
to discover that the two have toured together. Sage's songs are not as bitingly
cynical as DiFranco's, and she's a bit more melodic and approachable, but
similar social observations and the 'righteous babe' attitude are in clear
evidence. Her vocal tones are in the mid-range, relaxed yet expressive, and
comfortably matched to the singer/songwriter/storyteller genre. Think Ricky
Lee-Jones, or a slightly more poetic and less grating Alanis Morissette - or the
lilting folksy prose and French accordions in "93 Maidens" might bring to mind a
less-angelic Loreena McKennitt. And the opening lines from "Violet Or Blue" are
exactly the same as those in a DiFranco tune. The songwriting is above average
for the folk-pop genre, and although the instrumental arrangements are generally
straightforward, they mirror the tone of each song rather effectively. And that
storyteller label isn't applied lightly. Sage tells stories ranging from a woman
goading her lover into action to how the holocaust affected her Jewish
forebears.
That song-oriented aspect, the fact that there are no real instrumental
sections, and the voice that features in almost every bar, could lead an unkind
observer to call the songs 'samey'. But that would be missing the point ... the
point of this music is in the message - and that probably contributed to
the dozen-or-so awards Sage has won over the past 7 years.
With musical skills developed from childhood, formal training in a number of
the arts, a back catalog of 7 CDs; as an ex Lilleth Fair participant, a VH-1
song of the year winner in the Gospel category, and a residence in New York
city's East Village - singer/pianist/songwriter Rachel Sage and her music are
poised to contribute to the social conscience of the this generation.
Track Listing:
1. Alright, OK Listen
2. Featherwoman Listen
3. 93 Maidens
4. Wildflower Listen
5. Violet or Blue
6. Lonely Streets
7. Older
8. Hit Song
9. Burning Witch
10.Paperplane
11.Proof Listen
12.Surprise
13.Anything, Anywhere
14.C'mon Over
15.Calypso
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