Album Review: Emma Swift released Blonde on the Tracks last summer
I love when an artist respects a songwriter to the degree they cover enough of said songwriter’s body of work to create an entire album. What is better is just recording an entire album of deep cut tracks by that songwriter that both acknowledges their reverence for the artist, while revealing something of themselves in those songs. Nashville-based, Australian singer Emma Swift did just that, covering eight of Bob Dylan’s songs on a beautiful little recording called Blonde on The Tracks.
I’m late to the party (I am late everywhere), as this dropped back in August of 2020, but that does not mean you have already heard nor purchased your copy. I hope after reading this, you will run out and get you a copy. And by that I mean head on over to Bandcamp to order online.
As a fan of Bob Dylan, I accept the fact many people do not hear past his vocal ability. It excites me when a gifted and talented singer carries Dylan’s words to the discriminating ear of the pitch critic like myself. To find fault with the Australian singer’s sexy whisper-soft voice is impossible. She lifts up each word, intertwining every phrase with the rhythm and timbre. The volume and pitch of every note honored with reverence for the work.
There is something completely mesmerizing listening to the beauty woven into the songs that illustrate Swift’s intimate performance. I close my eyes and let my mind wander to the far side of the cavernous depths of internal thought, where some of the deepest emotions are stirred in ways only music can touch. Music is, of course one of the most honest, yet subtle methods of communication. Swift has sorted out just how to reach her listeners in a real, honest way which is remarkable when you consider her audacity at attempting to cover a master songwriter like Dylan. Having the support of partner, Robyn Hitchcock who appears on the record along with Wilco’s Pat Sansone both producing and contributing session work didn’t hurt either.
According to an interview with Irish Times, Swift said at difficult times in her own creative process as a songwriter, she would sings her own versions of Dylan’s songs, which gave her “a way to have something to wake up for”. She sings with passion and truth. It’s her way of honoring the legendary man’s the masterful writing.
You do not need to be a fan of Dylan nor Swift to enjoy this recording. But if you are, you will find yourself immersed in the very being of it. You will listen again and again, clearing your mind and warming your soul. Music like this is what many of us amateur musicians aspire to and spend our lives failing to find or achieve.
Produced by Sansone and recorded in Nashville, we get the subtle, complementary blends of country and rock, often absent in an over-produced, half-assed attempt to reinvent the wheel as Nashville is wont to do. Instead, Sansone and Hitchcock do their best to help Swift realize the vision she had for this recording. I think it turned out pretty damn great.
