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When the powers that be at Kranky HQ heard the demonstration four track recordings Jessica Bailiff sent in the fall of 1997, there was no doubt in their minds that this young lady from Toledo, Ohio was Kranky material. Included in the phalanxed guitar drones were some beautiful songs, and the results of a collaboration via mail with Alan Sparhawk of Low. It was obvious that these were more than time-killing exercises in home taping. Jessica Bailiff had been honing her song-writing skills as she mastered the layering of instrumental tracks. Early in 1998 Jessica Bailiff drove up to Duluth, MN to record with Alan Sparhawk at Low's 20 Below Studio. Even In Silence is the result of that work. Jessica took a home track recording of "Beautiful Soul" to Duluth, which was fleshed out in the studio. The songs "Overcast", "Dreamlanding" and "Sunshower" were recorded on four track tape in Dallas and completed in Toledo. Across Even In Silence extended guitar figures float over Jessica's vocals, bass, drums, samples and percussion. Jessica is joined by Zak Sally and Mimi Parker of Low on "Failing Yesterday" and "Trust". Alan Sparhawk made contributions to the seven tracks recorded in Duluth. The album is an affecting mix of instruments and Jessica's beautiful vocals that leaves trails of melody for the listener to follow. The mix of the album allows echoing piano chords, traces of bass guitar or whiffs of percussion to emerge from the clouds of guitars. A delicately balanced mix of organ lines and rhythm is placed next to Jessica's fragile vocals, followed by deep guitar and drones. Even In Silence grows on the listener, with carefully placed bits of melody and raw sound that emerge with each listening experience. |
Even In Silence 1 overcast
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