Mia Doi Todd - Songbook (2016)

Songbook is Mia’s second album of covers, all songs in English, in contrast to 2014's gorgeous Floresta, a set of Brazilian tunes cut on location. This offering finds her on more familiar linguistic terrain and pays homage to early and contemporary inspirations. The album was recorded and mixed by Todd and husband/multi-instrumentalist Jesse Peterson, with engineering and keyboard assistance from Money Mark. Other ensemble members include drummer/percussionists John Herndon (Tortoise) and Alberto López (Jungle Fire, Quetzal), longtime bassist Gabe Noel, and Sam Gendel on saxophone.

Review by Thom Jurek:
The album opens with a cover of Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart." Synth strings add a nice textural touch as the meld of strummed acoustic and wah-wah electric guitars seamlessly blends neo-psych and Caribbean sounds. There's a lilting read of the Cure's "Close to Me" with a muted alto saxophone solo hovering above fingerpicked electric guitars, xylophone, and Money Mark's shimmering keys. The dubby, rocksteady take on Sandy Denny's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" is excellent. Todd allows her tender, emotionally resonant vocal to be carried by the music. Her version of Elliott Smith's "Between the Bars" reveals its roots in early-'60s rock and doo wop balladry. The slippery lounge jazz read of Ned Doheny's "A Love of Your Own" adds sultry, slinky electric piano and saxophone work to frame Todd's vocal, making it a set highlight.

Tracklist:
1.01 - Mia Doi Todd - Only Love Can Break Your Heart (3:35)
1.02 - Mia Doi Todd - Close To Me (4:40)
1.03 - Mia Doi Todd - When Doves Cry (4:37)
1.04 - Mia Doi Todd - Between the Bars (2:47)
1.05 - Mia Doi Todd - Who Knows Where the Time Goes? (3:51)
1.06 - Mia Doi Todd - Careful You (4:10)
1.07 - Mia Doi Todd - A Love of Your Own (3:30)
1.08 - Mia Doi Todd - Pancho and Lefty (4:41)
1.09 - Mia Doi Todd - The Circle Game (5:02)