emily masson grew up in Indiana and settled in Telluride, CO for over 25 years. She started writing lyrics and music for her own pleasures, but when she met Rob and Michele Jones of Jones for Sound in Montrose, CO, she started recording music she had been playing only for herself. The result is a collaborative effort with session musicians that produces a deep, resonating sound that will touch hearts and minds alike. The Jones for Sound house band went on to record twenty first century mood as well as masson’s second release lost at home. lost at home evokes Jewel and Norah Jones with its resounding lyrics and warm vibe.
The albumgets started with the title track “lost at home,” where shimmering guitars and percussion arrive at the start of the track. masson’s vocals carry a great singer/songwriter vibe. She sings with clarity and feeling. I loved the vibe of this track, which felt warm and welcoming all at once. I was reminded of Jewel and other singersongwriters like Norah Jones. There was a touch of folksy vibe to the overall track which I thought made for a great listening experience. Reverb-drenched guitars strut in for a mellow vibe on “spiraling up.” The drumming is sauntering and there’s no hurry in this song. masson’s vocals are hushed here and I was reminded of an adult lullaby. More sauntering guitars come through on “become the one.” The percussion included here added a very lively sound. From the smooth music, I was getting some jazz and lounge vibes. The soothing sounds felt like a balm to the ears.
Some percussion and guitars add a stirring vibe to the overall music on “her every way.” masson’s vocals evoke starry skies and warm summer nights. I was also getting some Lana Del Rey vibes from masson’s enigmatic style of vocals. Some guitar riffs take flight for a very airy sound on “life begins again (ft. AJ Fullterton).” I loved the ethereal vibes here. It made for a great sound. Next, masson’s straightforward vocals come through. I loved the sauntering grooves of this song. The guitar riffs on “broken shells” were electric as masson belts out the lyrics in a rap-like sequence. I loved this blend of rock and hip-hop. I detected a touch of funk also in the tunes.
On “why not ask why,” more groovy guitars are added to the vibes. The music had a touch of sunshine and folk to it that reminded me of the type of music to come from the ‘60s and ‘70s. On “mother nature cries,” a drumming beat and sauntering guitars enter. There’s a touch of blues to the vocals as masson belts out the lyrics. Some island vibes come from the ukulele on “when we’re eighty.” The sound is fast and vibrant. Loving the bright sounds here. Once masson’s vocals arrive, it clinches this. This was a great to end the album.
masson conjures a singer/songwriter vibe that I thought was a perfect fit for open mic night and coffee shops. masson’s personal journey is imprinted on each of these tracks and I loved every second of her beautiful vocals and folksy sound. Something pensive that will leave you contemplating long after the record is over, be sure you give this a spin today!
Heather Savage