Gifted storyteller and singer/songwriter, Laura Sumner breaks the mold with the Americana-folk-roots rock debut EP, Red Clay Blue Sky. Sumner sculpts together five songs that follow a pattern of soaring harmonies, poignant lyrics and gentle ease. Sumner’s lead single, the daring “American Man”, strikes an even more interesting note in the summer of inflation and financial uncertainty. Still, it’s timeless message, as are all the tracks in Red Clay Blue Sky shape together to form a truly remarkable sonic journey. One that is universally felt.
“American Man” might be the first single she’s released, but the collection actually starts out with the wonderful “Cowboy From Queens”. I think what I liked most about this song is the way that Sumner plays with the words like ‘could never rope me in’. Her voice is confident, but you can tell she’s lamenting on missing the chance at this particular man that swept her away at one point. I liked how it sways between Americana and even leans into the pop world. The bright bass tones are subtle and groovy. The percussion is charming.
In “Tides” Sumner’s vocal delivery feels different. It’s clearer and more confident. She’s still singing about the past, and her enamoring voice is strong. She’s singing about a fast romance that no one thought would last, and when she sings and I do not love you anymore, more, more, as a listener I could almost touch the emotion. The music bed features a sliding guitar that is like an oceanic undercurrent. The piano is dreary and watery.
The third track, “Telling Georgie Goodbye” is full of details and imagery. It’s a riveting Americana-roots rocker. The guitar sneaks up on the listener, but it’s the lyrics that take the spotlight. When he knew this land like the palm of his hand, Sumner sings. Once again, her voice has a different flare, a different tone. Her colorful voice hovers on a plucking acoustic guitar (that opens up into a strong melodic electric guitar), a faint flute and a joyous organ. The song ends softly, as if the state line traffic sign were fading in the rearview mirror. “Telling Georgia Goodbye” really impressed me.
“American Man”, equally impressive, features the dark, mysterious piano/synth. After 25 years, your loyalty don’t mean a damn thing, Sumner sings. This is a song that really can fit into any generation and has the makings of really getting some attention. I really think the Bruce Springsteen crowd will dig “American Man”. Also a high point of the EP is “My Mother And Me”. Sumner ends on a strong note “My Mother And Me” features a hauntingly beautiful piano bed, with Sumner’s longing vocals giving a glimpse at yet another character in her storied chapters. There is pain there, but there is also love.
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/red-clay-blue-sky-ep/1620775673
Red Clay Blue Sky was recorded at Sound In Sound Studios in Montclair, New Jersey. Sumner worked with songwriter/producer Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Natalie Cole, Hilary Duff and more). Sumner currently resides in Connecticut.
Chadwick Easton