Alela Diane -- "Dry Grass and Shadows"

Thursday, December 31, 2009

review by Emily Woodman-Nance

The Grass Roots Record Co. – Family Album is definitely “grass roots” at its best. The album is a compilation of songs from groups that are connected to Nevada City, California. During a course of two weeks, groups came into the studio and recorded songs. The result was the Family Album with a total of 17 songs. The songs are diverse in style and voice but somehow the songs flow from track to track. Alela Diane is a local Nevada City artist that contributed to the collection. Alela is a singer and songwriter who is associated with 60’s style folk songs. She grew up singing with her musician parents, taught herself guitar and began writing songs. Her contribution to the album “Dry Grass And Shadows” is warm, trance-like and meditative.

Before I knew it, I was engrossed in the lyrics. I imagined myself lying on my back in bed and slowly drifting to sleep while thinking about wonderful memories of the one person I cared so much about. Seeing the person’s teeth, loving eyes and beautiful smile. Thinking that even though my father is no longer alive, the picture I painted will remain in the morning and forever more. My thoughts pretty much go in lockstep with the lyrics:

“There are things that I’ve seen in my head
While I’m sleeping in bed
Do not wither in the morning light”

The title of the song “Dry Grass and Shadows” made me quickly think about a rustic area in the summertime. If you were to look up Nevada City, California, you would discover that it is considered to be among the best-preserved towns of the West. Therefore, it seems appropriate that the song would have such words as dry grass, shadows and flat lands. Listening to “Dry Grass and Shadows” definitely put a smile on my face and reminded me how fortunate I am to have such wonderful memories of my father. Even now, I can see his wonderful face and feel the house being filled to capacity with his laughter. If there is, someone special in your life that you have not thought about lately this song is for you.


Buy at iTunes Music Store



Dry Grass And Shadows (mp3)