KRISTA DETOR Barely (Tightrope 255 114)

KRISTA DETOR Barely (Tightrope 255 114)Krista Detor’s latest album, her sixth, is described as “spare” and “pared down” but I rather like it that way. The songs are predominant but there is always enough going on in the background with Krista’s guitar, accordion and keyboards and partner and producer David Weber’s guitar keeping things interesting. Anne Hurley adds cello to one track and vocalists Amanda Biggs, Mary Dillon and Moira Smiley add richness to the sound.

The album opens with ‘Can I Come Over’, the song of a woman on the verge of desperation. It’s clever, witty and rather infectious for something that should exude sadness. If Krista herself is the subject then she manages to step back from her own feelings and almost laugh at herself. ‘From The Pedestal’ and ‘All The Calls’ contain similar elements of self reproach and ‘For All I Know’ is mournful but with a thread of humour that leavens the melancholy.

Barely closes with two bonus tracks, sub-titled The Irish Sessions. The first, ‘The Coming Winter’, features Mary Dillon and is a beautifully languid piano ballad – the sort of song that will emerge in a few years covered by someone with a wider appeal and be a big hit. The second, ‘Sweet Comes The Sound’ has a spiritual feel as it weaves lines from Christmas carols into its narrative. It’s a beautiful way to end the set.

Dai Jeffries

Artist’s website: http://www.kristadetor.com/

‘Castle In Wales’ live:


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