Huntsville's own singer-songwriter, Briar Summers, released her sophomore album from the ashes in October. If you are still looking for that last-minute gift for a loved one this Christmas, Briar's beautifully composed and constructed set of songs is the perfect souvenir from a tough year.
Summers, in her music, lyrics and attitude, explores what it means to be resilient in the face of adversity, defiant in the face of obstacles, and triumphant when challenges seem overwhelming.
Writer and reviewer from the Great Dark Wonder, Martin Noakes, says it all in his review of From The Ashes: "...with this single, ('Stronger'), Briar also dispelled any pre-conceived notions of creating adolescent bubblegum music. 'I won't fall, I'll beat the odds and stand up tall / And the world can doubt me but I won't listen at all". Instead, the airwaves were filled with a beautiful, yet potent 'piano and strings' sound that not only demonstrates incredible poise and maturity in her sound, but also belies both her age and the expectations of the listener. 'Cause I believe that I'm stronger than they make me out to be / Yes, I believe.'"
From The Ashes was produced by world-renowned David Bottrill, who has worked with legends such as Rush, Peter Gabriel, and a host of other world-class recording artists. It has a sound both fresh and modern, setting these tracks squarely into the heart of current popular music.
Briar assembled and inspired a powerful group of musicians, both local and city-based, to support her project: Ben Riley (drums), Chris Stringer (guitars), Drew Jurecka (violin), Daniel Dennis (cello), Jamie Bestwick (bass), Logan Coey (drums), Jason Logue (trumpet), and Dylan Teakle (beats). But what makes the album so thrilling and compelling is Briar's soaring vocals and stirring piano playing throughout.
When asked about the sessions, drummer Logan Coey called it a positive experience.
"Briar gave me a lot of space to do my thing but was also active in giving feedback on what she wanted or if something needed to change. To me that's the best situation, working with someone who has a strong idea of what they want while still being open to new ideas and input," he said. "The project as a whole is amazing and I am very thankful to have been a part of it. Briar has really grown as a songwriter and this record is proof of that. A lot of hard work went into this record from a lot of talented people so I'm excited for more people to hear this record and really happy to see the support that it's already getting."
Of course the best way to experience Briar's songs are by listening-streaming, YouTube, and the like-but this writer is a big fan of buying music so artists with such talent can develop and mature to the peaks they were meant to aspire to.
Briar Summers was curtailed in touring behind her album this year due to the pandemic but she informed Doppler that she will be performing a series of live shows in June 2022, including a much-anticipated show at Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville but tickets have yet to go on sale.
You can get a copy of this extraordinary album on Bandcamp.
