One and All

One and All is Pieta Brown’s fourth release and it arrives just five months after Shimmer, an impressive 7-song EP that is mostly a stripped-down solo acoustic effort. Backed by a full band this time, including the ever-dependable Bo Ramsey whose sublime guitar is invaluable to these songs, it’s her best and most fully-formed album yet; One and All burns brightly start to finish. These dozen tunes are lovingly crafted and free of filler or unnecessary adornment. Her melodies are supple and sweet, her lyrics poetic and suggestive. The tempos are consistently slow (with a version of “El Guero,” originally from Shimmer, the lone exception), but the lack of variety on this point is more than compensated for by the skill and touch of the backing musicians. Besides, this drowsy pace perfectly suits her songwriting style and her warm, understated, and engaging vocal delivery. She never rushes her songs; they unfold naturally, and by the time they fully sink in, you’re hooked. One and All is a thoroughly enjoyable album and another step forward in the development of a genuine talent.