dchefsours's Full Review: One Fair Summer Evening by Nanci Griffith
*NOTE: This is a review released again because it was placed into a generic sub-category at the time. Also a few minor changes have been made.
Nanci Griffith is one of the most unique singers I have ever heard. Her soft-spoken approach is only over shadowed slightly by the polished Texas twang and gentle flow of her story telling vocals. One Fair Summer Evening is one of those rare recordings I enjoy listening to when I need to smile, laugh, relax and unwind and generally clear my head. When I first heard Nanci's voice it drew me in. I couldn’t stop listening and I was transported to some serene serenity pool. Listening to her voice is something like calming oils and candles, like chocolate and roses for the tired mind. No, this isn't music necessarily for a moment of meditation, but there is just something calming about Nanci, a breathless, unburdened control in her voice, which instantly greets you at every corner.
Nanci has penned most of what is here, but is joined by two of my personal favorite songwriters, Pat Alger and Julie Gold. From a Distance is one of the most incredible songs that I have ever heard.
From a distance, the world looks blue and green and the snow capped mountains white/From a distance the ocean meets the sea, and the eagle takes to flight/From a distance there is harmony and it echoes through the land/its the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace, it's the voice of every man...God is watching us, God is watching us, God is watching us...From a Distance
It speaks volumes in so many ways and hopefully reflects the images that embody us all. I prefer Nanci's version of this song far better than the recording Bette Midler did some years back, in part because I think Nanci delivers it with the delicate nature that it deserves. Nanci's song writing is always thought provoking, as she leaves vivid images of dance floors and years past as in the Roseville Fair and Love at the Five and Dime. Carries you off to lands perhaps far away with 'Deadwood, South Dakota ' and "I Would Bring You Ireland." One of my favorites on this CD is one called "Working In Corners" an intriguing song about loneliness and perhaps regrets. These are such great lyrics:
I've been working in Corners all alone at night,
Throwing down whiskey keeping my eyes away from the light,
I'll never be a fool, but I will gamble foolishly,
Oh I never let go of love till I lost it in my dreams.
There are descriptive lyrics and poignant lines in her stories. The intro into 'Troubles in the Field' tells a family story and a little funny input about the --Dust Bowl Days. The song "Love at The Five and Dime" gives a nice depiction of Woolworth's stores; "Smells like popcorn and chewing gum rub around on the bottom of a leather sole shoe" .
She talks about her first glance at a Woolworth's in Europe, "I wanted them to stop the car and let me out so I can go fill up my suitcase with unnecessary plastic objects".
Her delivery is so uniquely presented here, and the stories that she weaves before each song is customary to a folk singers persona.
This recording was my first intro to Nanci’s vocals and songwriting. Ever since I’ve been hooked, and that is evident since it remains in my CD player most of the time.
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