Canadian artist Ali Matthews released "Window of Light" this past summer, and this eclectic mix of originals does indeed bear a sense of northern windblown airiness.
Matthews teamed up with guitarist-supreme Rick Francis for the producing duties; together the two of them offer up “Window of Light,” over an hour’s worth of richly introspective lucid well-crafted songs. From the first strains of the a cappella opener “Sweeter Than Wine (Prelude),” you know that you're in good hands with Ali Matthews. Her vocals and her songwriting both contain a quality of wise maturity, soothing in the extreme. The title track is the album’s first full-length track, warmly welcoming you with its soft percussion, mellow guitar, and slight jazz flair. Matthews’ instrumental executions are nicely nuanced, whether it’s the slide guitar of the self-deprecating “Poised For a Fall,” the lovely cello of “Santorini,” or the haunting violin of the atmospheric “Which Way is Home (The Prayer of the Prodigal).” I enjoyed her thoughtful phrasing; she knows when to lay back vocally (the dreamy vocals of “When the Silence Falls”) and when to keep the energy levels pulled taut (the interesting vocal/lyrical juxtaposition of “Lay It Down”).
You can hear several influences throughout “Window of Light,” a lot of pop, the occasional jazz moment, and even country raises its head on the album’s recurring centerpiece, “Sweeter Than Wine.” I greatly enjoyed the healing and uplifting aspects of the piano-driven “You Knew My Name,” which beautifully showcases Matthews’ depth and range, both vocally and emotionally. But the track that really captivated me is the electric “Give It Away,” her airy vocals dancing their way through the potent lyrics. Ali Matthews’ own spiritual philosophies greatly inform “Window of Light” and it is a big part of what makes the album so inviting. Build a fire, brew a mug of tea, and curl up with Ali Matthews’ “Window of Light” to chase away your winter blues.
