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.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
As a growing songwriter I listen to a lot of music and independent artists.  There is a lot of tiresome noise out there in the indi world with worn out cliché’s, style over substance and mediocre musicianship.  Then enter:  Abby Parks “The Homeplace.”  WOW!  I Love it!  I honestly haven’t enjoyed listening to someone’s collection like this in a long time! Years!?  I practically stumbled on this collection by accident and I am so glad that I did!
If a picture paints a thousand words, Abby Parks manages to paint a thousand emotions througout her folk singer/ songwriter (shall I say “story sketch?”)” collection.  Sometimes it takes me reading a good book for hours to get wrapped up in the emotion of a story.  Abby took me there in less than 4 minutes!   My immediate favorites “hey, you just HAVE to hear this song!!!”, songs are : Lambert Road, Wild Dogs and The Homeplace.  One minute you will be walking down a romantic road in love and the next minute you will be suffering a tradgedy that you blame on the wild dogs (man I hate those dogs!).  Another time you will be turning up rocks in red dirt looking for money and then the next moment you will be intoxicated with a wealth of childhood memories!
Abby relates with a creative sophistication that could merit a review on NPR and a relatable look at life that would even touch “Tucker” at the race track. Abby presents an interesting balance between classical and folk, advance musicianship and country hometown groove.   Abby’s voice talent is enchanting, innocent, mature, earthy and more.
Other great songs that are worth buying w/o the whole CD would be “Your Chantilly” with its haunting beauty, “The Observer” with its raw emotion of lost/exploited love, “Birthed of Fire and Water” with its longing for freedom from the pain of love and “The Only One Who Knows” with its raw country love tradgedy.     
After hanging on every word, “The Homeplace” has inspired me to treat my kids better, make my home a treasure of memories, strengthen my resolve to love my wife and appreciate her loving me “up and down.”   It’s also interesting that Abby is a follower of Jesus and his teachings. That makes sense!  There is a spiritual dynamic to her music that is both subtle and powerful.  
Abby’s songs get stuck in my head only making me want to hear them again.  Highly recommended!
                            Read more...