Women at the mic…
Lisa Bernstein sings, delivers poetry and verse on this album that has her mix and match with James Gardiner/synth-keys, Ben Flint/key, Scott R. Looney/key, Marcus Shelby/b and Jeff Marrs/dr. She likes telling stories in an intimate fashion, going artsy on “Billie Goes Home/Lover Man” and speaking easy to a Monkish Gardiner and 
Marrs on “Listen.” Her voice is haunting on the harrowing “Some Things To Do With Pain” and is dramatic on “To Propagate,” creating synthy moods on the meditative “God No. 2.” Bohemia after dark.
Amber voiced Kelley Suttenfield takes a creative step in interpreting songs composed by Neil Young. Wise, because the Young songbook is rarely approached, and also due to the fact that his material is flexible enough to fit into almost any genre. She’s joined by Tosh Sheridan/g, Matthey Fries/p-key, Phil Palombi/b, Eric Alvorson/dr and the Memling Ensemble String Trio for a wide range of moods and themes. Three songs are taken from the classic Harvest album, with her breathy on a sweet “Heart of Gold” earnest on a stringed “Old Man” and deep during“Needle and Damage Done” highlighted by Palombi’s contemplative bass. The team gets funky for “Love Is a Rose” with the team at its most foreboding on “Down By The River” while she and the gents swing hardest for “Fool For Your Love.” Good call; next time some Buffalo Springfield?
Sandy toned Emi Takada keeps it delicate in delivery, singing with the adroit accompaniment of Michael Kanan/p, Satoshi Inoue/g, Neal Miner/b, Dwayne Bradnax/dr and guest marion Cowings/perc-voc. Cowings duets with Ms. Takada on a couple of tunes, sweet and delicate on the Japanese language “Miagete Goran Yoru No Hoshi Wo.” Takada is graceful as cheery leaves with Kanan on the dainty title track while showing her prowess as she ratchets up with Bradnax on “Lover, Come Back To Me.” Her done and dynamics work well on the soto-voce pulse of samba, with “No More Blues” fitting like a leather glove. Confident chords.
With a delicate voice that a strong breeze could blow away, Emma Frank gives dreamy and wispy creations along with the piano/synth of Aaron Parks, drummer Tommy Crane, bassist Zack Lober, guitarist and synther Frank Rousseau and a handful of sensitive guests. She holds her lyrics for long tonal effects, creating a web of colors on “Two Hours” and the ethereal “Dream Team.” Some parlor piano creates a subdued setting for “Either Way” and “Sometimes” while indie moods get bohemian on the wispy “I Thought” and the dark “Lilac.” Washed delicates.