Brigid Kaelin – West 28th Street CD Review

Brigid Kaelin – West 28th Street
Label – Brigid Kaelin
Catalogue Number – 700261241524
Rating – 3 stars

West 28th Street is the latest offering from trained jazz pianist Brigid Kaelin. Performing with the likes of Elvis Costello Brigid is a force to be reckoned with. Brigid is a hugely talented flame haired accordion player who tours regularly playing keyboards for Peter Searcy. Brigid’s music delicately mixes Americana and country with a dash of pop and an infusion of jazz. This latest album from Brigid offers something for everyone and takes the listener on a pleasant journey though all the musical senses.

The album starts off with a lovely track called – I Did Something Bad. Brigid’s vocals at the start of this track are haunting and have a dreamlike quality about them but as the song progresses Brigid steps up a gear and changes her vocal style to a sound very reminiscent of Natalie Merchant, an artist she is often compared to. It is a nice opening track that really sets the mood for the rest of the album. This is not an album for people who like traditional country/Americana music this is an album for those people who like alt-country, something a little bit special and a bit on the edge.

Watch Out! is the second track on the album and has a really catchy lyric and sound. The accordion features on this track and adds another dimension to this jolly song. Brigid likes to have fun with music, which is obvious from the style and sound of the tracks featured here. This is a feel good song that instantly has your feet tapping along to the music.

Waiting For The Day is a great track with poignant lyrics. This has to be one of the stand out tracks on the album. Catty Woman Blues has quirky cleverly crafted lyrics and a blues feel about the music. Betty Jean is another great track with a really bouncy feel to it and yet more fun lyrics. You Make Me Wanna Go To Church is a lively song that is reminiscent of the early work of KD Lang. This is another song full of catchy lyrics.

Sunday Afternoon is another outstanding track. Brigid has a fresh voice that sounds organic and natural giving her songs a vibrant energy. The lyrics here are cleverly written. Brigid obviously has a natural talent for writing and crafting songs with catchy bold lyrics as well as fun light hearted lyrics.
As the album progresses the songs just seem to get better and better. One More Last Kiss features Shannon Lawson on vocals. This is a more traditional country song which oozes with passion and emotion. Fans of old style duets will love this delicately crafted love song. Duets like this are few and far between these days. This is high quality stuff!

Hold Me Like That Old Guitar is another gentle country infused song that pulls at the heart strings. Brigid has a voice like an angel in this track. I am reminded here of artists like Chely Wright or Michelle Wright. The lyrics of this song compare a guitar to a woman with a touching honesty and raw emotion. This is a powerful song, gentle yet forcing home a strong message.

The title track West 28th Street has a slight jazz feel to it. Brigid lifts her voice up an octave for this the final track on the album. This is another high quality song with excellent lyrics and beautiful piano playing in the background.

West 28th Street is an interesting album packed full of little surprises. A delightful combination of lively songs infused with a selection of old style country songs that will resonate with the listeners emotions. This is an album that really packs a punch.