Camela Widad Kraemer
A widely-traveled artist who now calls central Pennsylvania home, Camela Widad Kraemer presents a personable, relatable and easy-to-digest set of songs on her fifth album, “Before You’re Gone”. Kraemer’s musical domain often recalls the classic folk rock/pop traditions of Joni Mitchell and Judy Collins; but her blend of song variety, personality, and observational and hopeful lyricism make the overall style on this disc solely her own. The disc’s 13 tracks are multi-flavored and topical, each with a distinctive mood, melody and character. The swaying disc opener, “Back to Reality,” celebrates the simple pleasures and diversions from the grind of everyday life. The tender “Ocean” is about conquering fears to discover new frontiers. With its intriguing melody line and mood shifts, “Way Love Goes” explores the adventures and misadventures of a relationship. And the playful and Latin-tinged “Caffeine Empire” ponders the industry behind that morning 12-ounce cup-of-joe many take for granted. Kraemer does some post-9/11 soul searching on the melancholy “Space Between the Sky,” explores inspiration and creativity on the tender title track “Before You’re Gone,” and muses about the emotions and nuances of love on tranquil numbers like “Oh This Love” and “Oh Beloved.” Kraemer’s voice is calm yet expressive, and she sings with clarity and a comfortable tone. She also accents her songs with a variety of instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, clarinet and various percussion instruments. Produced by Kraemer and Jason Rubal, and recorded at Rubal’s Seventh Wave Studios in Harrisburg, “Before You’re Gone” is stripped down and simple, letting Kraemer’s melodies and performances do the talking, with the simple arrangements supporting and serving each tune. Camela Widad Kraemer offers a throwback to the classic singer/songwriter folk style and sound on “Before You’re Gone”; but her thoughtful lyrics, comforting voice and personality give this familiar terrain her own distinct signature. (The CD can be obtained through Camela Widad Kraemer’s website, www.camelak.com.) —Reviewed by Jim Price
CD Review
“Before You’re Gone” (no label)
