Angi West
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
contemporary folk and pop, sometimes with a country feel
Status:
Most recent release, Opportunity Cost (with Seth Kauffman, 2011)
See also:
Angi West's site
Comparisons:
This is where I get stuck: Sara Hickman? Lisa Richards?
Covers/own material:
Own, occasional co-writing
General comments:
Angi West has a high, clear, well-trained voice. Her music is eclectic, with a range of styles. Much has a slightly country/mountain feel, and her songs tend to tell stories (at least as far as I can tell from Orange Thread in a Blue Ocean). She's an appealing singer-songwriter. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
Recommended first album:
Orange Thread in a Blue Ocean is the only one we've heard
Recordings:
- Orange Thread in a Blue Ocean (2007)
- Love is a Special Way of Feeling (2009)
- Opportunity Cost (with Seth Kauffman, 2011)
Orange Thread in a Blue Ocean
Release info:
2007—self-released
Availability:
See Angi West's site
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Angi West—vocals, barking orders, arguing chords
Guest artists:
Joshua Carpenter—acoustic guitar, electric guitar, backing vocals, misc. percussion, tambourine
Hinako Sato—piano, arrangements
Pat Speece—electric bass, upright bass, funk interludes
Matt Smith—pedal steel, dobro
Molly Damon—backing vocals (1, 4, 5, 6, 12)
Rebeccah Mark—backing vocals (8, 11)
Lauren Brown—violin
Mike Alexander—cello (7)
Ian Cunningham—drums
Darin Gentry—fiddle solo (5)
Patrick Kutcher—accordion
Michael Olivier—arco bass (9)
Produced by:
Angi West, Joshua Carpenter, Jayro Rockola
Comments:
These are songs which tell allusive stories, which always appeals to me. The album begins with two mournful folkie and slightly country songs: "It's Fine To Lie" and "A Good Catholic Boy," who of which tell sad stories. Then the album takes a turn towards more mainstream pop. "The Light in Your Eyes" sounds like it could almost be a Sarah McLachlan tune. "Lying Awake" has a touch of Kate Bush-like piano drama, and is probably my favourite track here. "Blackest Crow" sounds like it's a traditional song (and it's sung a cappella, which heightens its evocative power). "If You Remember" brings the album full circle, which another mournful (though hopeful?) slightly country song. An intriguing debut. I'm curious to see where she goes next. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
Thanks to Sophia Gurley for work on this entry.
