I spent Friday night at a re-purposed church enjoying reflective music of Melody Olson. The place was packed with standing room only. There was trifecta of draws – a great location called Art House North, the gifted voice of Melody Olson and free cupcakes – dark chocolate coconut cupcakes!
Olson unveiled her second CD, Controlled Burn. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I know that she often plays with Christian singer Sara Groves and the location was a church but it turns out that Olson’s work is spiritual and pensive but not overtly religious. She framed the new CD by telling of her time recuperating from stress in Florida. That is where she experienced controlled burn – intentionally burning plants to make room for new life.
The song “Controlled Burn” begins like a Bette Midler ballad but changes turn with a resounding yet measured drumbeat. It starts of a little melancholy but ends upbeat. Olson has a strong voice with a range that can handle that turnabout in mood and tempo.
The sound was great in the modified church, which was gorgeous, down to the lighted candles on the walls. The mood of the songs seemed to ebb and flow as Olson’s mood must have done in Florida. The theme is carried out through the CD, how it manifests depends on where in the cycle the song comes in a controlled burn – breaking down, recovery or celebration.
“Flower on the Wall” is a song about recuperating. It starts with the twang of the pedal streel and beating dirge of the drum. The music is slow and measured, almost labored, while the vocals are imploring but made stronger when harmonizing. The vocals sit – not uncomfortably at all – on top of the music but there’s a slight distance between the two – the effect adds depth and distance.
Compare that to “All These Things”, from her first CD of the same name. The strings fill the room with this song. It’s more upbeat another great showcase for Olson’s strong voice and range. “In the Summer”, a song she released to Kickstarter supporters, is a buoyant song about being enamored with someone in the winter. Thinking about how much even better it’s going to be in the summer and hoping they’ll be around for it. That song is supported by strong bass and double drums and a beat that’s lighter and catchy.
The show ended with “After All”, off the new CD. It’s a little funkier than the other pieces. Shows a lower, deeper end of the spectrum for Olson. I liked it.
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