SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JESSICA RHAYE AND THE RAMSHACKLE PARADE – SUNSHINE BABY

Jessica Rhaye And The Ramshackle Parade
Sunshine Baby
Scout Music

Jessica Rhaye made her debut in 2000, with her self-titled album. Since then she has released a total of four solo albums and with Sunshine Baby, she has released two albums with her band The Ramshackle Parade. Although based in the East Coast (New Brunswick, to be exact), this is not East Coast folk. Rhaye and The Ramshackle Parade have conjured up their own distinct style of country and rock.

“Let me introduce myself,” sings Rhaye on the opening song of the album, “Sally”, serving the listener a plate full of songs and stories for the next 40 minutes or so. Sunshine Baby is full of stories, set to wonderful, well-arranged music. Each song seems to flow into the next. On “Breathing In, Breathing Out”, as with much of the album, the sparse but powerful arrangement combined with the vocals creates an incredible and beautiful sound. The guitar solos are tasteful and come in at perfect times. Rhaye’s voice is distinct and perfect for the songs she is singing.

Lyrically, it often sounds like Rhaye is singing to a friend, but she is really singing to herself, such as in the title track. This is the beauty of her writing. It can be appreciated on several different levels and, like the music, is a lot more complicated than what is presented on the surface.

Overall, Sunshine Baby is an extremely impressive album. It should earn new fans and loyal followers will love what they will hear. Sunshine Baby is a wonderful collection of country-influenced songs that have a great deal to say. It invites the listeners in and keeps them fully engaged. Each song has its own life and yet they all fit together like a colourful puzzle.

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