Mountain Man voices the memories of an abandoned home, blanched and wise. Exhausted by a lineage of farmers and peach-canning wives, the ranch sleeps a century-long respite. Though now a passive haven for other creatures and binding ivy, the stale walls still clasp her sepia-toned stories.
Recollections of slow harvests, “Mouthwings” mingles with tender breezes, breathing ghosts into tea-stained curtains and an heirloom rocking-chair. A trio of choral-like vocals exhales sighs, recalling the dwellers’ annual wait for rain and wrinkles of patience. Vacant rooms are the home’s audience, echoing her words as illusory company. Facing her lonesomeness, the shelter grows inconsolable and harmonizes with herself in vain.
“Animal Tracks” tells the end of her inhabitants’ history. A widow sings hesitant well-wishes out her window, seeking her runaway son, the farm’s only surviving successor. The mother’s downcast vocals soar with a charming tone, a sweet-corn aroma to tempt him home. A single acoustic guitar accompanies her pleas. Youthful and spirited, the strumming is her son’s affectionate refusal, gently carried back to her by winds.
Hear family stories of pain, love and patience from Mountain Man’s ethereal and organic perspective. TT the Bear’s, Tuesday, June 13th.