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Photo
by Jim Herrington
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This standout chorus from Amy Rigby's new album The Sugar Tree nails not only the relationship between an artist and listener but between lovers as well; and in this instance at the top of this page it allows her songwriting once and for all to do the talking first, before any image or concept. It's high time.
Amy's no stranger to critical praise or audience affection, with a career going back to NYC's urban hillbilly band The Last Roundup and then with the much-loved Shams. She's already won a devoted following with her pop smarts, country tinges and amiable (often riotous) humor - but for so long "image" has gotten in the way of just appreciating her for what she is: one of the outstanding songwriters in America.
Her 1996 Koch solo debut Diary of a Mod Housewife certainly lodged itself on enough critics' top-ten
lists to stand on its own, bursting at the seams with great songs like "Time for Me to Come Down," "Knapsack" and "Just Someone I Had in Mind," (which needs to be covered by a country artist immediately), but the whimsical autobiographical concept (of an aging new waver juggling motherhood and pop stardom aspirations) unfortunately may have deflected some attention from the more important fact that, song for song, Diary was the best solo pop debut since Marshall Crenshaw's in 1982.
Her 1998 follow-up Middlescence carried on with the same concept and boasted the stunning "Summer of
My Wasted Youth," the composition of which should guarantee her a seat between Randy Newman and Brian Wilson the next time there's a banquet for writers of pop masterpieces. Still the attention was on what she was singing about and who she was (the smiling single mom) and not the simple fact she was writing pop songs on a par with the aforementioned masters and anybody else you'd care to mention.
Now with The Sugar Tree, the focus is squarely on the songs themselves. "Wait Til I Get You Home," the aforementioned "Magicians," the aching country weeper "Angel After Hours" and the boss pop "Better Stay Gone" and "Stop Showing Up In My Dreams" will guarantee repeat play. And anyone who favors Amy's comedic bent won't be disappointed. "Balls" (yes, those kind) and "Cynically Yours" continue Amy's tradition of blending laughs with what could be feminist anthems for the modern age. And, check out her video of "Rode Hard."
Recorded in her new hometown of Nashville by master pop producer Brad Jones with the cream of local musicians (Will Kimbrough, Ross Rice, Pat Buchanan, Mickey Grimm, Dave Jacques and old NYC friend Jon Graboff, with guest vocals from Bobby Bare Jr. and Joy White), The Sugar Tree blossoms with the confidence of a songwriter hitting her stride. She's opened tours for Warren Zevon and Billy Bragg, won a spot on the Lilith Fair and recently completed her first tour of the UK. A Pittsburgh native and longtime resident of New York City, Amy's recent move to Nashville is fitting for someone who combines a genuine love of rock and understanding of pop songwriting with the real life honesty and humor of country and folk music. Like her two previous albums, The Sugar Tree is filled with her accurate, entertaining observations of life and love, and will surely find her garnering more accolades and due attention for her talents as an excellent and unique songwriter.
All Songs Published by
Songs of Welk
administered by
Yak Yak Music
deankay@earthlink.net
