Rebecca Pronsky "Departures and Arrivals" (NMR 2007)

A huge voice with songs to match: file under talent yet to be discovered

Rebecca Pronsky is big voiced singer /songwriter from New York who studied ethnomusicology and jazz voice before pursuing the dream full time. When in NYC she also runs the Brooklyn Songwriters Exchange, so what’s she like? The songs all showcase a fabulous voice that has echoes of so many – Patti Smith, Loretta Lynn, Chrissie Hynde, Carole King, Neko Case, Bonnie Raitt, Natalie Merchant and even Mari Wilson. There is something very familiar about the vocals and that familiarity is born from the power and sensitivity of the delivery.

The song writing often lead by guitar melodies a la Chris Isaak plays to obvious strengths; jazzy inflections and pop/folk tunings designed to highlight. There is the impression that the voice is never truly pushed but that may be a misconception created by the seeming ease by which the material is delivered.
This is a definite grower as the songs reveal their secrets with repeated listens. ‘Digging Graves’ goes from simple lament to a mournful pean in the space of a few listens – stately and affecting although the mood is quickly broken by the somewhat shouty ‘Break Even’.

Pronsky has delivered a cd that at least deserves a listen; it is a cut above your average female singer songwriter with excellent production values and for the most part fine song writing. I bet she’s phenomenal live.

Date review added:  Sunday, January 13, 2008
Reviewer:  keith hargreaves
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  record label site