Abby Parks: Press

Follow the link to check out the article written up of me in the Anniston Star December 18, 2009.

 

"THE HOMEPLACE is a marvelous gem, each song a facet that sparkles brilliantly on its own, but as a whole Abby has created something of great value."

"Abby Parks mixes secular and religious themes on The Homeplace, blending them with strong songwriting, an earthy voice that is intriguing and comforting and a story-telling style that is appealing and accessible. Where Faith is an issue on The Homeplace, it's simply an honest expression of Parks as she is rather than attempt to proselytize; the honesty and unassuming grace is refreshing. Musically, the album is highly crafted and perfectly presented. Abby Parks is a distinctive talent. If you like pure singer/songwriter and Folk material, then The Homeplaceis definitely for you."

"Give it up for Abby Parks, an artful writer and guitarist with a voice that could very well part the sea of kudzu leading out of Jacksonville, AL. With her debut cd, The Homeplace, Abby doesn’t hang her hat on just one peg but shows this is indeed her album musically, vocally and lyrically—quite the tri-fecta, and she scores on all points."

“Abby Parks’ newest CD is a labor of artistic love. Each song is a rich and carefully crafted offering for the listener to chew on, her observations on life, love and dogs, among other things, never the “usual.” Unexpected chords and lovely melodies abound. Abby continues to grow in her range and musical vision and it shows! You'll like it!”

ABBY PARKS--THE HOMEPLACE

"What marks a musical project as authentic is its degree of humanity--- and a new disc by Abby Parks touches several bases familiar to anyone of a reflective nature, through its ten tracks of stories, observations, and character sketches. Anchored solidly by a foundation of unerring and imaginative instrumentation, Parks' mid-range vocals sail powerfully on a confidence born of belief in her material. She draws from her own family histories to populate the narrative arc of her best tunes--- the war-era homefront of "Lambert Road", the ominous man-and-beast tragedy "Wild Dogs", and the title song itself, a joyful scrapbook celebration of her forebears' household. Parks casts herself in different guises to offer reflections on more specific themes--- she's a Paleolithic aboriginal in the grip of wary isolation, a frontier belle fantasizing love with a mysterious drifter, a blank and detached tabloid editor justifying the corrosive effects of contemporary celebrity worship.

Maybe it only seems this way to an older set of ears, but the album stands as a sampler of influences from a treasured selection of folk/pop performers dating as far back as the '70s--- whether intentional or not, several tracks bring to mind, by tone, melody or lyric, specific seminal artists whose finest work set the standards for what has come since. Woven throughout the record are aural traces of some groundbreaking women writers--- Sandy Denny, Kate Wolf, Linda Thompson... along with recalls of more unique stylists Juice Newton, Kristen Hall, and Caroline Aiken. This ain't at all bad--- it's more a delightful suggestion of flavors, akin to detecting that someone across the street is baking cinnamon bread, or grilling steaks.

Production is first-rate on the record, above all a clean mix, with judicious application of unusual effects and atmospheric touches. The songs are melodic, with just enough unexpected chord changes and tempo breaks to keep the repertoire engaging. Our only reservation is with the tendency to use nine words when six might do, and an occasional too-stately enunciation of lyrics, in place of the more relaxed and casual delivery that's sometimes called for. Small quibbles, though--- this CD shows a lot of focused work and natural talent, and indicates that there are even better things to come from this quickly developing artist."

"I once had a sweater that fit so perfectly, so soft, so comfortable. I'd wear it every day, regardless of the weather. That sweater comforted me through many years. Abby Parks' new album "The Homeplace" reminds me of that long lost sweater. Every thread on this album weaves through you with shimmering guitars, strong vocals and stories that bring you back to the place you call home. With the sad state of commerical radio today, an honest recording like this is a warm welcome. Abby's wise, reliable vocals lead the way on each track as her perfectly crafted guitar parts follow her to the homeplace of love, family and life's journey. This album has many gems, but I have to give immediate attention to the beautifully crafted "Wild Dogs". There is absolutely no possible way to listen to this song only once. When I first got the cd I played this track an even seven times. I hummed the song for at least a week. This is the best song of 2009, end of story. This is a grammy-worthy performance and a story that captivates the listener in every way. The opening guitar riff sets the tone for a story that only Abby could tell. This song belongs in a movie. "It must have been the wild dogs. Don't you ever trust those wild dogs. I should have shot them all myself, the wild dogs. And I will always blame those wild dogs." Abby is the Jack London of female songwriters today. If I had to pick one singer today to travel uphill in the snow with me, it would be Abby. Other standout tracks on the album are the gorgeous "Birthed of Fire and Water" and the haunting "Lambert Road." But these are just a few delicious, golden apples in a basket brimming with fresh fruit. Abby's voice is a guide, like the American highway. Like the sturdy bow of grandpa's boat. Like the feeling of fall. Like that warm sweater I loved so much."

"(Abby) is able to make the necessary matured songs that have an inner strength that can grow in any direction. "

"This is a very impressive debut from an obviously gifted songwriter and guitarist. WESTERN DESERT SUN is about as close to a debut masterpiece as you will find. Textured landscapes of cactus, prairie wind and some fine, delicate guitar playing accompany Ms. Parks on a journey, which I am happy to say, is just beginning. Keep an eye on Abby, as it appears that her music will be around for a long time."

"The music is just amazingly beautiful with powerful lyrics that stimulate and uplift you. This CD goes everywhere with me now. The music is very melodic and the vocals on these tracks.. EXQUISITE!"