A Book of Songs for Anne Marie
You know those fairytale remake films that all begin with the same opening title sequence? It generally includes a grandparent sitting on the granddaughter or grandson’s bed, opening up a thick hard covered book that then swoops us into the actual storyline. Well, Baby Dee’s newest album, A Book of Songs for Anne Marie, does just that.
As a youngster, I was always fascinated with the harp, and how the player can so delicately grace the strings, but produce such powerful tunes. Baby Dee knows how to work this, because it’s no surprise that her talent shines with her instrumentals.
As it goes, “Overture (Intro)” is the first song we are introduced to. It takes us into a mystical and magical mood, as if lost within a vast green forest with only trickles of light sweeping the dirt. This aura is continued throughout the album, which is composed of Dee’s fabulous piano and harp melodies. Her voice doesn’t quite comply with my taste, but there’s an obvious emotion within each range. “Morning Holds Star” has Dee basically weeping in disbelief at some points, in accordance with such lyrics as, “There must be some mistake when robins wake a winter day…there must be some mistake.” Her voice shrivels in anxiety when calling forth for “grateful arms that sing” and the end of all sad songs. “Black But Comely” twists into a more dark setting, bringing images of the overcastting smoke covering the home skies, and “waters dark as wine from boundless reaches.” But don’t worry, in the end, as with fairytales, the darkness is broken through allowing light to illuminate in.
What stood out to me were Baby Dee’s overpowering vocals, which only breeze in and out of songs amidst the airy instruments – never a solid cue and always pouring more and more of her heart out. Despite this album not personally being my jam, there is a potent factual beauty within each song. Graceful and sheer as a whole, you won’t fail in finding multiple stories being not only sung, but played to you. (No surprise when putting the name of the album into consideration!) There’s a renaissance fair feel to it too, as if you’re part of the 17th century carnival community. No wrong in that – in fact, it just helps push the imagery of nature, which is so vividly included.
Go ahead and pick up A Book of Songs for Anne Marie if you want to be taken into the love of love, and the love of life.
For more Baby Dee,
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theonlybabydee
***
Be sure to catch Baby Dee tonight at the Music Gallery! Tickets are $20 at the door.
