Lots of artists have been using this enforced COVID downtime to embark on some different projects. Indie-folk maven M. Ward has done something very specific and new, taking iconic Billie Holiday’s classic Lady In Satin and filtered its songs and strings through a single acoustic guitar, using alternate tunings with small textures and studio manipulation, with most of the songs recorded on an analog Tascam four-track. While definitely a one-off side-project, and Ward can’t be Holiday, Think of Spring is a quite interesting and compelling creation.
M. Ward has long thrived in the minimal and intimate folk style, up close hushed vocals and acoustic guitar strings that you can practically hear individually resonating. Holiday’s Satin pieces are translated into Ward’s wheelhouse, a sweet whisper in your ear. The songs range from the hopeful such as “For Heaven’s Sake” (QRO review) to the sad closing elegy “You Don’t Know What Love Is”, and thankfully also let Ward showcase his wry side, like opener “I Get Along Without You Very Well”. Admittedly, the unique interpretation does mean that they all sound rather similar, and there are pieces that just don’t stand out, but at just 38 minutes in total, Spring never wears out its welcome.
Think of Spring is not a big new M. Ward record any more than the epidemic is over and we can all leave home now, but it is special. Proceeds from Think of Spring will benefit Inner-City Arts & DonorsChoose via PLUS1 for Black Lives Fund.
