The opening bars hit me right away. My chest got tight, and it loosened up. It was as if they were in a room with people who had lost someone they loved, except they began playing. One More Angel by Eric Alexandrakis starts with a lot of weight, but quickly adds warmth as well.
Eric covers the song, written by Raul Malo and Alan Miller, as a way to cope with the loss of Raul, who he had known for over 30 years. He sings and plays a number of instruments and did the majority of the recording himself. One can tell by the attention that was put into it. Nothing feels hurried. He allows the song to be sung at its own pace.
The musicians who surround him really make it come together. EJ Ouellette is a violinist, violist, mandolinist and slide guitarist. In the background, the slide guitar can even be heard as a long sigh. The song has a familiar yet slightly dusty quality thanks to Michael Guerra's accordion. Theresa Bentley's harp is soft and light. There's plenty of room for everything.
Leo Nobre's bass line is always on point and Tanner Hughes' drum beats are kept simple. The band sound is enhanced by Pennan Brae as well. I like the whole thing, the feeling of people playing as if they were in one location. It isn't like it was an assortment of sounds captured apart and then put together. Lots of "we're here" feeling.
Then it's slightly different. The beat begins to move forward and when the chorus returns, I'm compelled to sing along. My feet began to tap on the floor without my thinking it. That caught me by surprise. It doesn't draw me into sadness. Rather, it makes me want to get up and move on with my life.
Eric has said that he experimented with the song in numerous ways until it finally came together. He eventually put aside his attempts to make it heavy and concentrated on the subject of life. That comes through. Paul David Hager's blend also allows for ample space. Each instrument can be heard individually, and then together.
I go back to this song again and again because it allows me to experience whatever it is that I am experiencing. It doesn't push me anywhere. The feelings linger for awhile, and then the song gently floats them away. As soon as it is done, I think about the people I care for and what I would like to say to them. I'll take this one with me.
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