Hand and Hammer by Ginger Doss
This organic release of April 2010 features some of Ginger’s most celebrated songs (Four Directions and Come Down, to name a few!). These favorites have been revisited with a special emphasis on capturing them with the intimate tribal feel as they are performed with piano and percussion
The first time I really listened to Ginger Doss’ music was only a short while ago, during a live streamed concert from their living room. What struck me, was the positive energy of the whole affair; making me wonder if that same passion would translate to a recording. I’m happy to say that it does!
Ginger’s musical style mixes melodic new-age Folk with a slight hint of Rock sensibilities; which to me feels like an update to late 80s/mid 90s Folk, that was somewhat popular at times. Melodies are carried by vocals and piano, with a drum providing a rhythmic element to most songs. It is this balance that makes these tracks feel so alive and engaging to me. There is a primal, yet still modern sensation to each of them, making the songs feel appropriate while sitting around a bonfire with friends or alone at home.The lead vocals by Ginger sound dark and warm, very inviting and friendly, with a lot of strength behind them. Backing vocals seem to have mostly been provided by different singers, working in higher registers; leading to some gorgeous harmonies.
The overarching theme of this album, seem to be connections; connecting with yourself, with nature and of course with other people, even if it is about severing a connection to someone. Together with the arrangement, this underscores the communal feeling of the music; even if the audiences lives are seemingly different, there is a lot in these songs that everyone can relate to on a very fundamental level.Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this album. Listening to it, I never felt alone, even if no one else was around. The general sound is uplifting and empowering, even during songs that are meant to convey sorrow. Musically, this feels back-to-basics to me, without sacrificing sophistication. And in difficult and complicated times, that is not a bad thing.
This album does feel a bit musical theater which is wolfsbane to me, (I went to performing arts school, it scarred me). The arrangement though does transcend that and it feels like it is touching on something that could be epic.
The playing, the performing and the arrangements when simple really work well. Vocals are husky, soulful, almost living in the area somewhere between Joan Armatrading, Sade and Annie Lennox. The piano is also a standout. I mean when it goes off it’s something else.
The percussion in this album is both intrinsic and distracting. Maybe it’s my frame of mind. Another day another dollar maybe? Maybe too high in the mix?
Ginger Doss is very definitely a talented singer/songwriter, you can hear that, to argue with that would be puerile. This album is not quite for me though.
It’s a fun record that sounds part new agey but also quite soulful thanks to the vocals and use of piano. Truth be told, it is not entirely my thing, but “not being my thing” doesn’t make a record bad, and it in fact isn’t bad at all. If you like traditional percussion instruments and some New Age flourishes with a healthy dose of Soul Music you’ll probably dig this record.
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