Many artists will have the ability to throw down a thick and hearty blues rock rhythm but how many more can then overwhelm that stew with their own vocal instrument like Kimberly MacGregor? On her 2015 album I Am My Own, Kimberly MacGregor's opening track Trouble takes a sledgehammer to a distinctly familiar sound, reconstructs it then catapults the listener into a euphoric state of bliss as luscious alto vocals pour over the soul. You may want to hit pause at this point to search tour dates and ticket availability. You may want to stop just to catch your breath, too.
Whatever label one wants to tack onto Kimberly MacGregor's sound is up to the listener as she and her sturdy band move through the gamut of roots, blues, rock and folk. No matter what you call it, it's a sound that's been collected on many a groove over time but not quite like this. Like the difference between 2017's movies, Star Wars and The Big Sick, I Am My Own's collection of songs stick to you where something more spectacular for the sake of spectacle sits alone & forgotten, dusty on the shelf after only a few listens.
'Nicer Gentler' is a perfect example of an artist opening the book on their own personal story that all of us can relate to. A lover, a friend, a neighbour, whoever Kimberly may be singing to, I certainly have made my attempts at being nicer and gentler, too. As Kimberly sings on it might dawn on the listener that it doesn't get much nicer or beautiful. "Maybe our lives are tough enough" is a gorgeous understatement to go along with the 'gentler' guitar stings that accompany Nicer Gentler's examination of love in a time of self-discovery. It dawns on me after a few more listens that Kimberly may even just being singing all together about herself. We could all stand to be nicer and gentler to ourselves, couldn't we?
"Our lives are tough enough" with all that is dark in the world these days, dampening the light. 'I'm Ok' reminds us that we, like Kimberly are going to be just fine. Let's "move on to that better stuff". If you're listening to the song, you're already ahead of the game. Though it may feel like it sometimes "we are not alone". Kimberly MacGregor reminds us of that track after track.
The familiar feeling persists on the track 'Bigger'. MacGregor has "opened her chest". She's revealing her heart to us and its not difficult to find beauty there. Not claiming to be perfect, she, "needs to be bigger". I'm hearing a voice that's asking as much from herself, more-so really, than from anyone or anything else. Her music, voice and lyricism are in process. She's learning about all of it and very actively and aggressively. Where does one sign up for this honest path of self discovery?
'Implode' is a sorrowful examination of what we all probably feel at some point in our life's journey. "I think that it's time to decide what it is you are made of" is as universal a choice as not making any choices at all. My mind drifts to our relationships with ourselves and how that impacts every other relationship we ever have as the accompanying groove laid down by MacGregor's guitar and band is in an almost direct contrast to the idea of imploding. As we are moved inward by MacGregor's lyrics the music steadily builds upon itself – reaching out in glorious expression of equal parts pain and joy. Implode may be one of the more subdued of tracks on I Am My Own but to me it is the album's quintessential track.
For those of you who may just have the same prowess for guitar, lyricism and performance, Kimberly MacGregor's album may not feel as personal as it will for the rest. Mind you I cannot imagine the world possesses too many that have MacGregor's chops and who are also willing to lay their heart out for all to examine. She's 'exorcising her demons' and it sounds as if she has been for quite some time.
I Am My Own is as honest an album as one might like to hear. It's a bold and literal expression – "I Am My Own". Yes you are, Kimberley MacGregor and all those who love music will be happy to have heard your very personal offering.
-- Val Christopher
Listen Now
On Capital City Records!