(MPress Records)

www.rachelsage.com

Rachael Sage's M.O. since the beginning has been to meld soft, sultry vocals with solitary piano-plied gravitas, creating sparse settings that still provide ample underbelly for her heartfelt testimonials. This time around however, she attempts to inject a smattering of mass appeal, evidenced by the fact that she includes sensual covers of "Fame" and Hall and Oates' "Rich Girl" as part of her current repertoire.  Although those choices may seem superfluous at first, Sage proves she can expand upon the subtext of the originals by retaining the tattered vulnerability and quiet resolve that established her branding early on.

Individual entries like the aptly titled "There Is Passion," "Brave Mistake" and the title track establish that she's as burdened as before, even as tracks such as "Hope's Outpost" and "Big Star" find common ground with Tori Amos and Fiona Apple in their eloquent execution. Still, by comparison, Sage's affecting tomes seem more genuine and compelling, resonating with a greater resolve that effectively drives those sentiments home.

Fourteen years on, Sage has come into her own as a singer/songwriter of the first order.  If justice prevails, Delancey Street will provide her an avenue towards recognition.

Standout Tracks: "There is Passion," "Brave Music," "Delancey Street" LEE ZIMMERMAN