An artful record, Pentimento by Carson McHone blends Americana with real poetry. The mix, while ambitious, also gets the toes to tapping enough to make this a record that's very listenable.
Opening with a reading of a letter from Ralph Waldo Emerson, Pentimento is aiming for something more than roots rock. As "Winter Breaking" modestly reaches for a big hook, the brigther "Downhill" soars for the sky. On this one a listener can hear a faint hint of solo Jenny Lewis, while on others Carson's wonderful voice recalls that of Emmylou Harris. At her best here, like on the introspective "Vision in the Verse", McHone pours her soul into material neatly arranged and performed. For an album with poetic, artful aspirations, Pentimento is an easy one to ease into.
Pentimento is, according to the press bio for the release, a record began around poetry. That the end result is so warm and inviting is impressive. Carson McHone has a great voice, and if you aren't comparing her to Emmylou Harris, you mind be thinking she sounds like Nanci Griffith. But she's got a distinctive approach which makes Pentimento such a good listen.
Pentimento by Carson McHone is out now via Merge Records.
[Photo: Daniel Romano]