Review: Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield - Sing Elliott Smith
By Haadiza Ogwude, Contributor
[Ramseur; 2015]
Rating: 4.5/5
Key Tracks: “Twilight,” “Between the Bars,” "Somebody That I Used to Know"
Elliott Smith was a genius that resembled a Bob Dylan for a generation of tortured souls. His music was soft and airy, however his lyrics were full of gut-wrenching pain and sadness. Every song he made was overwhelming and powerful. Although this troubled artist died in 2003 at the early age of 34, his music continues to live on to this day.
Seth Avett (of The Avett Brothers) and Jessica Lea Mayfield pay tribute to the late singer-songwriter with a record covering of some of his greatest work. This 12-track release is one of the most respectful tribute albums ever made. Avett and Mayfield play each piece in its original composition with the original lyrics. Both have beautiful luxurious voices, however they tone it down and keep it simple for this collection. They don’t allow each other to dominate any one song.
Although they do alternate leads, they don’t allow their vocals to get too boisterous or complicated. Instead, they simply harmonize in an angelic way that is respectful, not only to each other’s talent but Smith’s as well. They pay tribute to Smith by simply singing his songs rather than trying to make them their own. This album sounds exactly how an homage should.
Sing Elliott Smith begins with the artist’s most covered single, “Between the Bars.” This opening number is famous for its role in the movie Good Will Hunting, which earned Smith an Oscar nomination. In the original rendition the pain and torture that Smith was facing can be heard in every line. The angelic singing and airy instrumentals of Avett and Mayfield’s version, creates a calm over the overwhelming agony expressed in the original version of this song.
The two bring a more tortured presence to this album with “Twilight.” Mayfield handles the lead vocals but Avett’s soft background vocal work is the perfect addition to this cover. Mayfield’s voice carries a sad presence in this piece, as if she’s trying to put herself in Smith’s shoes. One can hear that Mayfield is going through an internal battle in this song.
Avett’s background vocals provide a soothing aura to this track. It seems Avett is there to console her, and Mayfield is there to console Smith. The depth Avett and Mayfield portray in this iteration is magnificent. The elegant, yet haunting, quality of this cut is unlike any other on this album. The duo does more than just sing the song here--they put themselves into the song.
Seth Avett takes over in upbeat “Somebody That I Used to Know.” This rendition is oozing with Avett Brother influence, from the guitar to the tone and texture of Seth Avett’s voice. However, this version stays true to Smith’s composition.
This quick album is simple in both its composition and harmony, and that is the beauty of the effort. Avett and Mayfield do not try to recreate Smith’s work and make it something it’s not. Rather, they humble themselves and pay homage to one of the most iconic singer-songwriters that ever lived.
