Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Tal Wilkenfeld, BMG 2019.
Australian guitarist and bass guitar sensation, Tal Wilkenfeld, has released her debut vocal album and it’s fantastic.
For those of us who haven’t heard of Tal Wilkenfeld I strongly suggest you look her up on YouTube.
You will find clips of her playing the most outstanding bass work with musical superstars such as Jeff Beck, Herbie Hancock, the Allman brothers and many, many more.
Love Remains is Tal’s second album, the first being the instrumental jazz release Transformation (2008), which earned her Bass Player magazine’s readers choice for The Year’s most Exciting New Player.
The 10-song collection of Love Remains explores love, loss, and life through her poetic lyrics and masterful musicianship.
The album was recorded at East West Studios in Los Angeles and co-produced with Paul Stacey (Oasis, The Kooks, Black Crowes).
Executive Producer was Jackson Browne and the album features an A-list of top performers and friends including guitarist Blake Mills (Alabama Shakes), keyboardists Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and Zac Rae (Death Cab For Cutie, Lana Del Rey) and drummer Jeremy Stacey (Ryan Adams, Noel Gallagher).
This album marks the transition of Tal Wilkenfeld from instrumental prodigy to formidable singer/songwriter, vocalist, and band leader.
The album includes her first single, the impressive Corner Painter with Benmont Tench on pump organ, through to the melodious combination of bass and orchestra on Haunted Love to the Celtic sounding Under The Sun and on to the angst ridden Killing Me.
Throughout, Love Remains showcases Tal’s remarkable instrumental prowess and exquisite songcraft.
Tal is a musical marvel.
She left her hometown, Sydney, when she turned 16 to follow her musical dream and settled in New York. There she gained significant recognition performing with musical royalty including Jeff Beck and Prince and even Mick Jagger.
This album is a wonderful singing and songwriting debut and considering her relative youth (she’s still only 30) and her incredible talents I expect much more to come.
If you’re a bass player this album should be a must have but, because of its wonderful musicality, it is accessible to everyone.
