I’m not accustomed to writing music reviews, favoring film as the medium most suited to my misguided opinions. But it’s possible Laura Baron could change my mind.
I last interviewed the Glen Echo musician in the winter of 2005 for the release of that year’s self-titled compilation. I’ve heard from her intermittently since then, receiving an e-mail or a press release whenever she would breeze through Frederick for a gig.
Most recently I received her latest CD, ‘‘Scenes From the Avenue,” and a note to take a listen. So I did.
The project, she said, was one and a half years in the making, with a jazz through line and a goal to tug at the heartstrings.
She’s succeeded on both fronts, I think, and what’s more – she makes it sound simple.
Baron has an easy way with a lyric — she penned most of the songs, here, save for three tracks co-written with frequent collaborator Pat Quinn, and two covers — and an elusive voice. It’s easygoing, reminiscent of Keely Smith, but with the bite of Natalie Merchant by way of Sheryl Crow, all held together by a harmony best described as haunting – not a far cry from Sarah McLaughlin.
Baron and Company have certainly nailed the jazz element — upon playing the CD on my car stereo, images of an intimate, underground club filled with smoke and song were conjured.
‘‘Scenes from the Avenue” has a distinct, in-the-moment feel, as though recorded on the fly, surrounded by diners and dreamers, burning cigarettes and clinking glasses. And from a fan of all crooners, from Dino to Ella — yes, that’s a compliment.
There’s also a familiar cadence to the instrumentals, which appear to repeat on a few numbers — but that’s okay, because it’s also catchy. I want to say ‘‘Calypso,” but I know that’s not right, and I’ve spent some time trying to pick out the sounds of the piccolo and the whistle among all of the other instruments I’ll never learn how to play.
As with most albums, some numbers are stronger than others. ‘‘Kindness Don’t Rest Easy,” while not the best track on the CD, sticks out in my mind — most likely because I concur with its sentiment:
‘‘Kindness don’t rest easy⁄Don’t take things sitting down⁄We’re walking down some roads too dark to walk alone⁄This world needs some kindness now.”
‘‘Open the Window” feels a bit far-reaching, but after listening closely — and reexamining the lyrics — I think that’s the point.
The refrain for ‘‘North Star” is immediately hummable — making the tune’s sudden eruption into an Irish jig most forgivable, and ‘‘Winter Don’t Own Me” is, in a word, determined. It paid off: That song, Baron said, was recently bestowed the 2007 Gold Award in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest in the Jazz⁄Blues category.
Things start out strongest, though, with the titular track — a portraiture of words and wandering, which could call to mind the java houses and Market Street of our very own Frederick.
It closes just as nicely with a reminder, of sorts, in these days of gasoline woes and empty wallets:
‘‘When the sun is low⁄and the day is done⁄and the stars come out⁄and you love someone...” sings Baron, ‘‘The best things in life are free.”
Laura Baron Trio
Featuring Pat Quinn on bass and Ron Goad on drums
When: 7:30 p.m. June 2
Where: Brewer’s Alley, 124 N. Market St., Frederick
Tickets: $10 suggested
For information: www.laurabaronmusic.com
