CLAIRE HOLLEY
Time In The Middle
Self 88295-23079

www.claireholley.com
 

I hadn’t heard anything from Claire Holley since her second album on Yep Roc (4th overall) Dandelion, and that one really impressed me and stuck with me. When I noticed Time In The Middle on the available to review list I jumped at the opportunity to catch up with an artist I had quite liked.

I’m happy to report Claire’s new album thoroughly charms me. Most tracks sound kind of ethereal which kind of masks roiling emotions within. Ten of the eleven are Holley’s own after opening with an arresting re-think of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” stripped down to contemplative backed only by Claire’s gently plucked guitar and as it goes on very light percussion and lead guitar. As she sings the soothing “Don’t worry about a thing/’Cause every little thing’s gonna be alright” it is calming, but it also carries ominous hints. Perfect stage setter.

“Traveling Saints” is a welcome back to the New Orleans that emerged after the Katrina disaster. “Bone,” the rockingest song here comes from an indie film Claire helped score Child of the Desert. It’s a howling song of grief. “Be Still” next is a song to a mother’s child, a reaching out for love that sounds like a lullaby. The finale “Saturday Sale” relates the experience of looking through old dust covered boxes of personal treasures and forgotten memories.

Jonathan Kingham and Don Phelps, co-producers of the set with Claire, constructed the instrumental support. Much feels eerie And haunted, but not in the slightest off-putting. Most feel like a gentle comforting hug.

Finding Claire Holley still doing what she does and doing it really well after more than a decade since last contact is really gratifying. Hearing in her songs how she’s grown personally and artistically makes me want to seek out the several albums I have missed!

All that said, if Claire Holley in new to you Time In The Middle is an excellent introduction.

— Michael Tearson