The opening notes of September by Michellar enveloped me like the hug of a loved one the moment I heard it, and something was awakened in my chest that I could not name. As a San Francisco based artist, who incorporates her visual art work into each of her releases, with the stunning cover artworks that are a product of her recent work, this track is an extension of her soul, a piece that brings you in close with abstraction and music. The vocals by Helen Walford are a revelation, being clear and powerful, bringing a sense of emotionally truthful authenticity, which makes my heart ache.
The music is at once mellow yet bittersweet and welcoming, drifting through a scenery of nostalgia which is both calming and awakening. It draws on the heritage of folk music masters such as James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan, but Michellar puts her spin on it by working her phrasing to include the listener in the narrative. The instrumentation is sparse and warm, a slight folk accompaniment that creates a rich and welcoming sonic space- subtle production additions layer without overpowering the naked beauty.
My favorite element is the theme of individual change and retrospection, the moments of retrospection as one is moving forward. It is a song that makes you look inward, and is ideal at those open mic nights when Michellar opens up her world, touching through heartfelt stories and songs that linger. Recorded on different continents- her San Francisco demos and final mixes in the UK by Tobias Wilson- this collaboration has a worldly sheen and a heart to it.
Amid a deluge of disposable songs, it is refreshing to find something with true emotion and suggestive ability like September, which I played again and again to feel that sense of release. Michellar has created a masterpiece that connects with the listener emotionally because it makes you remember why music can be a close friend. If you have a heart that gravitates toward soulful people, this is one that you must have, it has touched me and I believe it will touch you as well.
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