Folk-rock singer-songwriter Laura Sumner introduces her new lyric video, “My Mother and Me,” a track from her upcoming debut EP, Red Clay Blue Sky, slated for release on June 17.
Produced by double Grammy-winner Marc Swersky, the Red Clay Blue Sky was recorded at Sound On Sound Studios, engineered by Chris Gold and Sam Enright, mixed by Seth Von Paulus, and mastered by Leon Zervos.
Red Clay Blue Sky features Santo Rizollo (drums), Vin Landolfi (electric guitar), Alex Eckhardt (electric and upright bass), Alan Markley (keyboards), Marc Swersky (acoustic guitar, percussion), and Laura Sumner (vocals).
Born in the Summer of Love, Laura Sumner grew up as a free-thinking non-conformist with a rich internal life. At the age of 18, she began her career with a spur-of-the-moment performance of “Ramblin’ Man” at a pub in Connecticut.
After attending the University of Rochester, she took off for Nashville to pursue her musical dreams, but eventually returned to Connecticut. In 2008, she released Dreamology, but considers her forthcoming EP much more competent because of her evolution as a songwriter and growth as an artist – two facets absent in her earlier music.
Laura explains, “I’m an introvert by nature so it takes a lot for me to come out and shine a spotlight on myself. But unlike at any other time, this feels like the right season. I love the variety of songs on the EP, and I’m so excited the way Marc and this great band helped me bring these stories to such vibrant musical life.”
“My Mother and Me” opens on low-slung, luminous colors, rippling and flowing on creamy textures. A gentle, throbbing rhythm gives the tune a slow, profound flow. Laura’s evocative voice, vaguely reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Judy Collins, glides forth on gorgeous tones, imbuing the lyrics with tender warmth and nostalgic aromas.
“She scoops the sand in the palm of her hand / Her nails are colored cherry red / Her scarf is dancing in the wind as seagulls circle overhead / She cups her hands and shouts,“don’t go in too deep” / My mother and me / My mother and me.”
At once delicate and beautifully complex, “My Mother and Me” evokes the wonder of human connection and the miracle of love.
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