Slow and steady wins and “Dogs of New Orleans” off of Bastoni’s brand new release is a tried and true indicator of such. There is a slight twang in her voice as “New Orleans” rolls of her tongue. Acoustic guitar driving the rhythm. The song moves along in a whispy puff of audible smoke. There is a beautiful melancholia to her delivery. The tune aches, it yearns. Its real and human and as she utters the final verse ‘Your tin roof trembles with the rain I know I can’t stay but I’m so glad I came‘ there is a resolution and just a hint of looking toward a bright future…and damn, that clarinet is a welcome woven texture that brings a slight upturned smile to my face as I close my eyes and listen in.
Who: Lisa Bastoni
From: Northampton, MA
Song: “Dogs of New Orleans”
Latest record: How We Want To Live (out now)
What About It: “Dogs of New Orleans” is a song about being in the moment, inspired by a dog-loving friend, jazz funerals, and a hot and rainy day spent somewhere in Mid-City, New Orleans. It’s about finding joy and beauty even in the midst of sorrow. Like a “Who Rescued Who?” bumper sticker, sometimes it turns out the rescuer needs a little help, too. This song is also the only one on the album that features clarinet (played by Kit Buckley). Where Kit comes in on the bridge is one of my favorite moments on the record – a little nod to Van Morrison’s foghorns blowing on “Into the Mystic,” as well as Joni Mitchell’s street corner clarinet player in “For Free.”