Rachel Sage Issue #36

Chandelier (MPress)

By Jonathan Shipley
Published: August 1st, 2008 | 10:36am

The cover art on Rachael Sage’s new album, Chandelier, shows a woman’s hands fixing a glass-bejeweled chandelier — an appropriate metaphor for the collection of songs that are light, sometimes fragile, and quite often containing pretty music that doesn't stick around for long.

Chandelier was recorded by John Shyloski (Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, Manhattan Vibes), mixed by Grammy Award–winner Kevin Killen, and employs musicians who have played with the likes of Moby, Evanescence, Rufus Wainwright, and Norah Jones. “Vertigo” starts things off like an Astrid Swan piano riff, complete with lyrics about the pain of love crashing up on the rocks of life’s harsh realities. “Angel in My View” is a nostalgic 1960s-type number with horns and cheery lyrics; it’s like the opening theme for an old TV sitcom about a warm, loving family. “Beloved,” a nice Jim Brickman–esque tune, is Sage's first recorded instrumental track, while Jump cover "Mexico" boasts a strong country feel. “Moonlight and Fireflies” discusses destiny with a woozy melody, perfect for grabbing your significant other — after a glass or two of red wine —and dancing under the moon.

Sage, a self-taught pianist and composer (not to mention ballerina, actor, jingle writer, and graphic designer), has been making music since she was old enough to reach the piano keys. She’s opened for Ani DiFranco and has been influenced by the likes of Elvis Costello and Suzanne Vega. Her first album was Morbid Romantic in 1996, followed by six more on her own label, MPress, before releasing the 13-track Chandelier. It's tempting to consider what would happen if Sage slowed down to craft and refine one truly great album — rather than defining herself by a dash of good ones.