Absolutely blown away by the latest single release (and corresponding video) from Cynthia Hamar. But that’s not a shock, regular readers will know that we’re a big fan of hers (read the previous review here). Cynthia is a Métis singer-songwriter from Alberta with four LP’s to her name and a list of impressive accolades. Most importantly, she is one of those rare artists whose authenticity overwhelms you - as soon as you hear a few phrases from her voice, you can’t help but to be drawn into the story, her tone, her phrasing and the structure of the song. It’s no surprise that she is a favorite of critics and writers around Canada, hopefully this track will help build the larger following that she so justly deserves. Here’s our review of Where Your Love Lives.
A delicate piano line with a beautiful descending progression and some wonderful brush effects on the open, pedaled strings create a beautiful setting and canvas for the start - it’s like taking a breathe of clean air. Then, subtly, a grove starts with the piano, guitar and random percussion fills. Love the progression of the verse - i, iv, V. When you hear it the first time you begin to think that this is going to be an ominous topic, but the use of the major V adds positivity to it, and the lyrics certainly reflect it. The topic is her family and her home, and all its encapsulating images and emotions - notice the word choice over the minor chords, versus the word choice over the major chord - that’s great writing. You can’t help nodding along and smiling to the groove and message. Before you go any further, go back and listen to it again with headphones on - pick up all those little percussion hits and the use of brushing the pedaled piano strings - such a cool trick - it’ll come back again in the song (especially under the word “memories” in the 3rd verse - perfect timing).
For the chorus, its a I, III, IV, V progression to back up the lines “Home is, where our love lives,” and it’s such a beautiful compliment to the settings of the verse. The background vocals are a beautiful addition, not only in their mix placement but in their word choice. It’s simple, but complete and full. Nothing else is needed - such great production. With the second verse we get a bit of an uptick in energy with the syncopated hits and riffs that accentuate the lyrics. Take note of her phrasing and tone - she absolutely shines on this verse. When people compare her to Tom Waits, or Feist, or even great jazz singers they are not exaggerating. She’ll remind you of all of them, but do so with a unique tone. Her falsetto is angelic, and the raspiness of her chest voice makes you briefly think it’s got to be another singer - but it’s all her.
The second verse and second chorus are followed up by an impressive piano solo that is as jazzy as it is folky. Note how the left hand holds that swing perfectly - don’t know who played it but it’s gorgeous. The note choice and phrasing is perfect. Third verse is a short one (did you catch the piano trick under the word "memories”?) as she bring is back into the final chorus and a hard stop ending. The ending comes as a bit of a shock (in a good way), and we can’t believe it clocked in a 4:20. Wouldn’t mind hearing that groove and the entire song extended - it’s another great work from Cynthia and her Producer, Paul Johnston.
The entire record, Joint & Marrow, is exceptional. Too many artists today put together LP’s that are merely a collection of random things they’ve written in the past year or two, without any thought of cohesion or theme - lyrically and sonically. Hamar and Johnston have created a solid Americana project that should be included in your library - not just for listening pleasure but also for professional study (if you’re a songwriter). We would love to see her here in Nashville - she’s head and shoulders above most of the “artists” here.
