Miranda Stone

Item: Brave
Author: Steven S. Baldwin

Brave

(1998)

Reviewed by Steven S. Baldwin

Discogs Bandcamp Apple Music

Label Earthdress ProductionsThe Phantom Tollbooth1999

acoustic alternative folk folk rock singer-songwriter

Before this past Christmas, a friend of mine conscious of his budget asked his newly-wedded wife whether she wanted an ample quantity of little presents this year under the pine tree or only one present of greater quality. She chose the latter, of course, supposing that he meant something small, tasteful and expensive. Her decision was not only motivated by the female sex's nearly universal desire for extravagant and high-priced jewelry, but dictated as well by that old maxim that sometimes the best things really do come in small packages. The same can be said of Miranda Stone's little gem of a debut EP, Brave. She manages to say more, and say it more creatively in 25 minutes than many artists do over the course of entire careers.

Virtually all the women in the folk and rock arenas today owe a large debt and a fair amount of inspiration to icon Joni Mitchell (in fact, it has become entirely too fashionable to cite her as an influence). In Miranda Stone's case it turns out to be altogether and appropriately true. Most of her songs, especially "Silverlined," and "Thorn in Your Hand," owe a passing resemblance to Mitchell's work, primarily due both to Stone's vocal choices and a mix of well-played percussion and guitar which gently recalls the Seventies. Even though Stone's songs bear similar structures and the same level of intriguing intensity, she is no mere Mitchell imitator. Stone's more rocking side, evident on "Nevertheless the Dog" and "Growing Old," is closer in spirit to Alanis Morissette and Tori Amos sans piano. "Don't You Cry Out" would be right at home on the next Over the Rhine album, and vocally, Stone draws favorable comparisons to both Karin Bergquist and Carrie Newcomer, who is a little known but exceedingly talented folk singer hailing from Indiana. In common they share a considerable range, a warm evocative style, and a surprising vulnerability.

The vulnerability and accessibility of her vocal talents is further enhanced by lyrics that poetically, intelligently, and creatively tell stories of intense longing, relational challenges, hope of God's providence, and sure faith. When she sings "Hey God help me here like I know you can" from "Thorn in Your Hand," she not only sounds like she really means it, her searching plea becomes ours as well. Later in "Silverlined" she wrestles with the decision to marry a man in a song sure to resonate with anyone who has ever shared similar doubts. Couple these timely messages with music from her talented band offering an interesting, above the average folk/rock sound, and you have the complete picture. Stone not only deserves a wider audience, she is overdue for the attention that should be accorded someone of her burgeoning talent. To unearth this treasure for yourself, write to Earthdress Productions at [email protected] or call 905 468-1097.

4 tocks