[rating=8.00]
Those familiar with Lynn Drury’s music would say, “It’s about time.”Following eight regional releases, the singer-songwriter, who has lived in New Orleans for the past decade, has launched Rise of the Fall, her genre-defying national release. There’s plenty of ingredients in Drury’s gumbo: country, folk, rock, pop, and classic New Orleans R&B. Hence, she coined her music “NOLAmericana.” Having been born and raised on a Mississippi ranch, Drury soaked up the natural rhythms and vibes that are unique to New Orleans. “Different elements came out,” says Drury. “If you’re living in New Orleans, even if you’re a country artist or a folk artist, there’s a rhythm that infuses everything you do. When you walk down the street, you see brass bands, second line parades. All of that influences me.”
Drury seems to have a natural knack for songwriting but her rather thin, twangy voice can take a few listens to get accustomed to. Her penchant for moving in different directions led to some less than satisfying results with earlier producers on previous efforts so she initially took this project into her own hands as sole producer. As the project ebbed, though, she collaborated with Iguanas’ bassist Rene’ Coman, who became band leader and a kind of spiritual advisor as well as bassist on the album. Besides the usual guitars, keys, drums; some tunes feature strings and horns. Drury even plays clarinet on “11:11.” Suffice it to say, this is an eclectic mix.
The prevailing sound has Drury channeling strains of classic country and pop, heard on: “Lifetime of Living,” “Cold Feet,” “What Good Is the Rain,” and the John Prine-influenced “Anniversary.” The tune “11:11” is a bit moodier and more complex, featuring a classical string section and a hair-raising crescendo. You can hear an angry sneer in the straight-ahead rock n’ roll of “Tuesday Lover.” Drury continues to change the palette as “I Need You” best exemplifies New Orleans with its brass and rhythmic beats.
There’s even a couple nods to the 1980s British indie-rock band, the Smiths, where Drury reveals her melancholy approach to love songs on the title track and the stunning closer, “Shutter.” In 2014 Drury worked with Grammy-winning producer John Porter who produced the Smiths, among many others. She took his lessons to heart on these, perhaps the album’s two most emotional tracks.
Despite the shifting moods, tempos, and accompaniments, the album somehow feels relaxed and hangs together surprisingly well. Drury explains, “I don’t force it anymore………For me as a writer and an artist, I want to bring some understanding of all of us being in the same boat. The songs are world weary but optimistic as well. Everything’s going to be all right.” Her confidence pervades the album. Dig in. It takes more than a couple of listens to fully appreciate her depth.
