Big Music Challenge: Kat Bagby's LOVE is more than what I found in you him them
Kat Bagby LOVE is more than what I found in you him them
Rating: 3 stars Worth It Factor: Partially
There's something to be said for the authenticity of a truly evocative song. It's something you really can't fake especially when its subject matter happens to be the searing pain of say, a paramour's cross to bear. In her debut LP, Oakland native Kat Bagby seeks to recreate the emotional whirlwind of such a scenario but her voice... That voice. It's just so sweet. It's got the playful vibrato of Charlene Kaye minus the camp, the thrusting power of Kathy Mattea minus the smoky undertones, and rolling influences of a host of other great songstresses. It's almost too much to handle like the endless cascade of I'm sorrys on "Other Girl".
Despite my probably petty gripes about not enough grit in Bagby's voice or an overabundance of said voice doing just too many lovely vocal tricks, this album is incredibly solid for a first effort. "Kiss Me Once More" is absolutely standout; the perfect mix of endearing and melodic. What really makes Bagby an artist to follow, however, is her evolution in harnessing the power of that voice. The roaming acoustics of her "Fly Away From Me" jam with Tim Wilkins was what truly caught me off-guard and just absolutely stunned me. It is in raw takes that Bagby shines, as I've previously heard through her involvement with fellow East Bay musicians Mouthy Maidens. Bottom line: don't overthink, just sing.
Oh & send me more music! Plz & thx.