Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield
Album: Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliott Smith
Label: Ramseur
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.sethandjessicasing.com

What it says on the tin - couldn't be more explicit in fact. A dozen songs written by Elliott Smith performed by indie-folk duo with respect and insight, steering clear of slavish imitation or undue chance-taking yet bringing their own stamp to the songs in what amounts to a personal labour of love. The simply judged instrumentation (guitars, piano, cello, violin, banjo, occasional string arrangements) betokens a canny understanding of the intimate needs of the material, and for the most part only a couple of musical strands accompany the vocals and harmonies although three or four tracks (including the feedback-storm-tossed stomper Roman Candle) take a cautiously electric-led path as a springboard to head off into unexpected territory.

From the lilting jazzy acoustica of Between The Bars to the Welch-and-Rawlings vibe of Fond Farewell, the ominously limpid folk meanderings of Let's Get Lost to the plaintive, rather Linda-Thompson feel to Twilight and the pop-friendly aura of Ballad Of Big Nothing, this is a persuasive collection that adds a special dimension to Smith's appealingly melancholy, slightly askew views of love and relationships that load the heartache and the whimsy in roughly equal proportion. Smith's original melodies are never less than interesting, and Seth and Jessica make the most of their sometimes awkward leaps and twists and bring their own telling and accomplished harmonies to the mix without compromising the impact of the lyrics.

I can admit to having not been over-familiar with Smith's œuvre, but Seth and Jessica make a good case for investigating his writing in more depth, and their interpretations certainly repay your repeated attention.

David Kidman