JENNIFER LEONHARDT: Songs My Mother Sang
JENNIFER LEONHARDT
Songs My Mother Sang
Grassroots
This charming collection of traditional folk and hymns, plus one by Leonard Cohen, features simple arrangements and heartfelt emotion. It’s dedicated to the person who (one would suspect) is the mother referred to in the title.
These aren’t polished songs done in a big studio. They feel like solid front porch music or a comfortable parlor sing along. You’ll recognize songs like “May the Circle Be Unbroken,” “Bill Bailey,” “Michael Row the Boat Ashore,” and old-time hymns like “Down in the River to Pray” and “Song of Solomon.” There’s a pleasant rendition of Cohen’s “Sisters of Mercy.” Some songs are sung a cappella while a few have guitar, banjo, ukulele or light percussion. You’ll be tempted to sing along with Leonhardt’s friendly voice. Everything here was recorded live, which can make for a natural sound, but it also means that there are many rough edges. Some of the accompaniment, like the percussion in “Let Me Fly,” sounds like it was recorded in another room. The lead vocal on “Bury Me Beneath the Willow” is sometimes off-pitch. The liner notes are written in an Old English script, making them difficult to read. If this was a recording meant as a simple tribute or to be sold at an occasional local gig, then it’s fine. However, if Leonhardt intended this release for much larger distribution, it would have benefited from better rehearsal and recording.
— Jamie Anderson