Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Mary Scholz, KZZ Music 2022.
Mary Scholz is a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles who produces a folk inspired pop, not dissimilar to the work of Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, and James Taylor.
She’s been around the American music scene for some time and she’s toured both nationally and internationally for more than a decade developing a strong following for her warm vocals, whimsical stage presence, and engaging songs.
Much of Mary’s music explores the transitions that are a normal part of human relationships, including love and loss.
The first song that I heard from her was her 2018 release Murder Ballad which examined abusive relationships.
The track was lifted from her album California which was recorded live to an Ampex 8-track tape recorder.
It’s an album that’s well worth tracking down.
The album, and particularly the single, was tremendously powerful and left a lasting impression so I was naturally drawn to Talk To Me, her latest single.
Talk To Me is about the communication breakdown that often occurs where partners stop listening to each other.
It’s a plea to open up and redevelop the trust that they both once shared.
Mary’s delivery is so pure that you don’t need the lyrics to clearly hear the words.
It’s so refreshing to listen to a song with such clarity.
Another of Mary’s songs that’s come to my attention is Lady Liberty which she released in 2020.
The song is sung from the perspective of the Statue Of Liberty who laments the failure of America to uphold the foundational beliefs that the statue stands for.
Once again, it’s a great song that deals with important social issues that must be addressed.
If folk/pop/rock is your thing then I suggest you give Mary Scholz a listen.
Start by watching the clip for Murder Ballad on YouTube.
