Gamble

Gamble, Zoé Basha’s debut album, is a worthy introduction to the Dublin-based French-American singer-songwriter’s music. Drawing upon structural and stylistic elements from, among other sources, Appalachian, English and Irish traditional music, American country blues and early jazz, Basha constructs modern folk songs, which convey intimate truths, lived experience and a keen eye for the human condition. Whether an original composition (‘Same Swallows Swooping’) or traditional cover (‘One Morning in May’, ‘Love is Teasing’), Basha’s idiosyncratic voice – sweet and sultry with remarkable range and a penchant for tremolo and vibrato – lends a wonderfully fluid articulation to each song. In addition to her guitar and harmonium, Basha benefits by support from Ultan Lavery’s organ and fiddle, Hannah Heimstra’s drums, Anthony Mannion’s dobro and Johnny Pickett’s upright bass. ‘Worried’ deftly pulls off a mashup of ‘St. James Infirmary Blues’ and a swinging dancehall boogie. The title-track tugs at the heart with a lovely melodic line within a bluegrass frame. ‘Come Find Me Lonesome’ is a fine walking blues with just the right funky vibe. ‘Traveling Shoes’ links to Hank Williams’ ‘Ramblin’ Man’ in the most complimentary way possible.