Songs That Sing Me
The term “cover song” is a fairly recent addition to our musical lexicon, not used before the 1950s. Its usage coincided with the emergence of recordings being considered the definitive or original version of the song, as opposed to the sheet music being the reference point. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that anyone had the idea that a recording would feature primarily songs written by the singer.
Becky Buller has a track record of brilliant songwriting, including her song cycle album, Jubilee, from two years ago. At the same time, she has a reputation, even an expectation, for adding interesting cover songs that come from sources such as They Might Be Giants, Queen, and Simon and Garfunkel.
It is no surprise, then, that Buller has released an album of covers, songs written by other artists. She says, “This collection of songs is singing me into being. They awoke a deep love of music within me. They continue to teach me how to form melody and lyric.”
In that way, the songs are as personal and intimate as if she had written them herself. There is a cornucopia of guest stars on the album. Jim Lauderdale joins on vocals for “Wall Around Your Heart.” Buller is joined by her fellow “The First Ladies of Bluegrass”: Missy Raines, Molly Tuttle, Alison Brown, and Sierra Hull on “Reach,” a song from the band Orleans, where they keep the swinging, joyful beat intact and use it to launch some seriously powerful instrumental licks.
The Seldom Scene classic “Muddy Waters” is delivered here with a sparse, funky, slow snap that highlights the dark and fearful lyrics. With songs like this, Becky Buller shows her ability as a song stylist or song interpreter, the ability to take a song from another place and time and make it your own. There is so much to appreciate and enjoy on this recording, but my favorite has to be the James Taylor children’s song “Jellyman Kelly,” featuring Becky’s daughter, Romy, joined by the family of Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn. The kids are adorable, and the banjo is pretty good too. Give this album a listen, share Becky Buller’s love of music, and you will be glad you did.
