CD Review - "Orchid" by K.C. Clifford

"Clifford is one of those female singers whose voices are so beautiful that you get mesmerized by the sound without really hearing the words " -- John Conquest, editor, 3rd Coast Music Magazine



Release Date: 02 March 2010

Genre: Folk Rock/Modern Folk/Americana

Publisher: 2010 K.C. Clifford

Label: Free Skipper Records

Time: 34m 59s

Review Date: 06-December-2010

Format: MP3

JivePK™: http://jivepk.jivewired.com/kcclifford


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Track Listing:

01. Broken Things 3:42
02. Redman 2:56
03. Jericho 3:16
04. Blue Bonnets 4:50
05. Loud & Clear 2:37
06. 'Atta Girl 3:16
07. Songbird 3:19
08. Voice Of An Angel 4:14
09. Story Of Our Own 3:00
10. Generous Friends 3:39

"Orchid" is the fifth release from talented singer-songwriter K.C. Clifford, and the album is poised to turn some heads thanks to her exhaustive musical immersion on the project. On "Orchid", sensitivity cascades without dissolving into vulnerability, and gorgeous melodies surface without fading into saccharin sentimentality. Clifford establishes a picturesque footprint that is proficient, beautiful, and musically significant. It is also one of the best folk/modern folk recordings of the year.

Clifford works her strengths well, focusing on, and I say this hesitantly because I am more educated, a very pretty voice. Simple but effective, there is no better way to describe K.C.'s vocals. When you break down the album into it's components; the arrangements, the production, the lyrics, vocals and the music, as a listener, first and foremost it's her voice that is the strength and foundation of this recording. She is pitch-perfect every time with a four octave vocal range, and in such a wonderfully effortless and natural way it almost seems too easy for her.

Also, and this is rare in music, Clifford is a master of the bridge. Her dulcet passages are unparalleled, and musically speaking, become almost a third subject in themselves with each song on the album. I imagine as a songwriter she takes great pride in this, and it shows. The transition work here elevates what is a very good album into that beyond great territory. For proof, one need only listen to "Story Of Our Own", which is absolutely K.C. Clifford defined.

"Broken Things" is just the beginning of the riches on "Orchid", showcasing Clifford's vocal dexterity and affinity for penetrating melodies. Here, K.C. evokes memories of the late Gram Parsons with similarities to Emmylou Harris and fans of those legendary artists will have little trouble enjoying this song. "Jericho" is a similar song in arrangement and just as powerful. Emotional tension builds throughout the song, which segues to and from an explosive bridge that culminates in ethereal ascension.

"Redman" opens subtly, against a continual drumbeat and animate, repeated chords, and soon moves into the verses, which feature arpeggiated guitar and vocal harmonies, and a chorus with a neat, slippery little chord progression that is magnificent in its simplicity. The more I listen to the album, the more I find myself going back to this song, which speaks volumes, because it just never gets old or repetitively boring. The bridge features a wondrous arrangement and crescendo. Overall, "Redman" is a great, great effort.

On the song "Blue Bonnets", Clifford showcases her incredible four octave range, crossing into and beyond the heights of her register without losing vocal presence or allure. Though slow and deliberate, the song is emotionally charged despite it's heaviness. In more upbeat and exuberant fashion, Clifford again pushes the envelope vocally, with similarly rewarding results on "Loud & Clear", and, as stated earlier, Clifford creates her own identity and sonic niche with the unambiguously amazing "Story Of Our Own".

K.C. Clifford styles an amalgamation of both country and folk music and does in a manner so as to honor and uphold both, without diluting one for the sake of the other. This formula was pioneered by Gram Parsons and in tribute and reverence, artists such as Jeff Tweedy, Ryan Adams, Allison Krauss and Emmylou Harris have carried that torch magnificently. With "Orchid", K.C. Clifford serves in musical kinship, nearly coequal in talent to the best of that genre. This is a stellar effort, and if you are a fan of the folk/modern folk/americana genres and their hybrid brethren, then "Orchid" is a CD worth owning.

You can purchase "Orchid" by K.C. Clifford on her website: http://www.kcclifford.com/store

-- Michael Canter, Jivewired.com

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