Fortune

by Callers

Overview

Sometimes, less definitely is more. Less music: Callers' debut album is a bit short at 35 minutes, but definitely sweet, with not a single throwaway track on it to lessen its impact. Less musicians: singer Sara Lucas and guitarist Ryan Seaton are Callers, and there are only two extra musicians supporting them. The core duo does a great job on its own -- Seaton's playing is varied, emotional, and atmospheric; Lucas' voice is an instant attention-grabber, with velvety tones, slightly bitter nasal overtones, and a wide range used artfully, the voice of a great jazz singer. And though limited in number, the supporting cast brings a lot instrumentation-wise, drummer Gus Martin also playing bass, and drummer Don Godwin also playing brass instruments (and they never appear together). The songs are beautifully crafted in a sweet-and-sour folk-meets-jazz vein that will turn your living room into a dark, smoky club, and set the mood for regrettable confessions. Highlights include the yearning "Valerie," the lighter "Rone," the fragmented "Debris," and the Linda Perhacs-esque "The Upper Lands." A textural/experimental streak runs through Seaton's guitar playing, showing influences of Ben Monder when in jazz mode, Loren MazzaCane Connors in bluesier settings. Lucas' octave-jumping and sudden shifts from sweetness to sorrow evoke the young Joni Mitchell, although she has her own personality. Folk singer/songwriters aficionados need to pay attention: either Callers will be the next big thing on the scene, or Fortune will become a sought-after rarity. Highly recommended. ~ Francois Couture

Product Details

Release Date:	09/09/2008
Label:	WESTERN VINYL
UPC:	0656605457123

Tracks

1. Valerie
2. More Than Right
3. Rone
4. Fortune
5. O Family
6. Meet Between
7. Debris
8. In Blighted Gold
9. The Upper Lands
10. Tied About
11. Ste. Genevieve

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Callers   Primary Artist
Sara Lee Lucas   Vocals,Guitar
Guskin Martin   Double Bass,Drums

Technical Credits

Keith Souza   Mixing,Engineer,Producer,Audio Production
Seth Manchester   Mixing,Engineer
Jeff Lipton   Mastering