Emily Summers

Emily Summers

  • 流派:Folk 民谣
  • 语种:英语
  • 发行时间:2012-09-15
  • 类型:录音室专辑

简介

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” –Edgar Degas The ability of an artist to create atmosphere; to remind a person of memories; deep, profound feelings that literally cause the breath to gasp, the heart to melt, deeply and tenderly wrapping a person in familiar warmth and serenity is among the rarest abilities human’s possess. It truly is a God given talent, but even with that precious ability the artist must have a deep compassion and love within their heart in order capture this fleeting ability within their work. The very first feeling one gets when listening to Emily’s music is deep sincere love. Each song Emily sings is ensconced in love. One can hear it in her fragile yet passionate voice, in her fingers as they glide on her guitar and profoundly in the simplicity and elegance of her poetic lyrics. Everything about Emily’s craft is about pure love. Instantly upon hearing her music, I’m transported to the best places of my mind, places I’ve been and have forgotten, yet places very dear. There are no words to describe those places and in each human being they are as different and unique as each one of us, but they exist in common and its warmly gratifying to know that an artist like Emily can remind us all that love is something in common we all share and its that same feeling impossible to describe yet so commonly shared among all of us. True artists and poets find that deep inner commonality within each of us; it’s what brings us to their work time and again. It’s that need to know we are not alone in our feelings and our spirit. Emily Summers is such an artist. Thank you, Emily for your voice, your lyric, and your amazing spirit. Elegance in simplicity Whether it’s a chamber orchestra, a quartet or a duo, the essence of music can be captured in the simplicity of its presentation. Listen to “Scarlet” for example and you will understand. The emotion felt in this song would not be the same if it were masked beneath lavish accompaniment. This is what makes Emily’s music so special and the lyric so poignant and within our grasp. Two instruments, a guitar and a fiddle, gently caress the lyric and bring its meaning out. Emily’s voice captures the beautiful emotion and spirit in the words. They have deep meaning because she sings from the heart, as if for the first time, yet with wisdom beyond her years. A Comforting Place Emily doesn't narrate her stories, she lives them. This is what makes her so unique and refreshing. One can sense the range in her vocal ability yet she so does not exploit her talents for the sake of them. Unlike so many female vocalists today who proceed with vocal gymnastics up and down the scale within just a measure of music, Emily delivers her range as the lyric commands, emphasis placed where it should be, in control, and with timeless grace. This allows us, as the listeners, to impart our own feelings into her songs, sharing with her the meaning she imparts. This is most prevalent in “Free”. Emily has something strong to say here and she isn't afraid to let it be known…yet her delivery is measured and compassionate. She suggests rather than demands, and with that, one becomes more open to her message. She sings, “…leave all your judgments behind…” and in her voice is a willingness to be humble in such an emphatic request. Just reading that lyric on paper sounds like a demand and in the hands of most of today’s female vocalists it would have a sense of aggressiveness to it thereby shunning the listener. They may get away with the vocal equivalent of a double back flip; a flawless “ten” on the “uneven bars” if you will, but the meaning of the lyric is lost forever. In her delivery of this particular lyric in this particular song, Emily invites the listener in rather than slamming the door shut. One becomes eager to discover the essence of her true meaning and it comes through fully. We have been there, and “Free” takes us to that comfortable place allowing us to deeply consider putting our hard emotions aside and letting compassion rule the day. Serenity Emily’s infinite optimism and spirit are nowhere better expressed than in “Fall”. Here, she shares her full faith and spirit with us, consoling us at a time and an age where so many find no solace. This is a song that communicates few other songs how faith can truly be shared between each of us. Of all the songs in this collection, nowhere is Emily’s ability to share our Lord’s infinite unconditional love more aptly expressed than in this exquisite lullaby. Emily believes in eternal hope and in our salvation. We truly are free to choose a path toward enlightenment and away from darkness; Emily gently reminds us of this and guides us toward the light. This song defines the true purpose of a lullaby. It leaves us with eternal tranquility and assurance that truly all will be well. The song ends with a line that seems to open rather than close a story, showing us Emily has true command in her song writing; she leaves the story as an open book, reminding us there is no ending. Timeless serenity is what the weary minds truly seek and it is expressed in this song. Atmosphere An exquisite study in contrasts unfolds in “Take Your Time”. The beat and the arrangement are upbeat and positive but doubt is expressed in the lyric. It’s Emily’s profound ability to take this doubt and weave it into an optimistic spirit that is so refreshing and truly unique. Here, Emily seems to suggest that sometimes it may be hard to have faith; believing that a splinter wound can be healed is truly a great metaphor within this song. Knowing Emily’s story, the untimely loss of her father makes this song especially poignant. Healing is the same no matter the significance of the wound, be it a splinter or something greater. She has wisdom beyond her years. Emily Summer’s ability to write a lyric such as this and put it to a lively melody and beat is not an easy thing to pull off and yet she makes it seem simple. Her voice remains optimistic and again, as with all the songs in this collection, she soothes us as she sings, no matter the subject. “Jen e sais quoi” is such an overused and abused term, yet there is no other way to describe Emily’s talent for being able to maintain the gentle, comforting atmosphere within this entire song book, even in songs that express apprehension such as this. Emily shares with us her own humanity and with that we are able to remind ourselves of our own humanity. “Take Your Time” reassures us that there is a master plan for each of us, no matter our circumstance and the “splinters” within our own lives. The Canvas Edgar Degas definition of art defines Emily Summer’s work. In order to experience the deeply personal journey within this music, one only has to let go and allow Emily’s spirit to flow within. It is there. We all experience it differently but in that experience we find common ground. As I listen to Emily, I personally am transported into the vastness of rolling hills and mountains covered in thick forests, and most importantly, the sun, shining brightly above. I close my eyes and fly gently over this world guided by the compassion in Emily’s voice and the comfort of her words. Even as the last song ends, I remain there. I get it. God’s wisdom has found Emily. So many truly great singer-songwriters never do discover what makes their music so beautiful. It is that truly unique ability to allow each listener to feel something deeply personal. I truly thank Emily for sharing her journey with me and renewing within me my faith and my ability to choose a path that leads to love and compassion. submitted by Robert Sciolino

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