Many might say, rightfully so, that Elliot Smith’s most captivating quality as a musician was his lyricism. His ability to convey his bitterness and bewilderment, his begrudging view of the world in atmospheric prose was unparalleled. Yet in his heartfelt tribute to Smith, Christopher O’Riley manages to pay homage without uttering a single word.
O’Riley expertly captures Smith’s melancholy by relying solely on the emotional resonance of his skilled piano playing. There are no great departures from the original melodies, though O’Riley does tinker with the chords and pacing of each song. The result is simple and refined; a buffed and polished version of Smith’s lo-fi offerings.
The most impressive aspect of the album is O’Riley’s ability to clearly convey Smith’s nuances, particularly on “Waltz #1,” which is utterly moving in its execution. The arrangements on “Roman Candle” and “Oh Well, Okay” are also thoughtful and reveal a true Smith fan in O’Riley.
This is far more than a cabaret or a loose adaptation of some of Smith’s best work. It is a lovely tribute from one musician to another. |