Marcia Sloane’s 55-minute “Skyward” album weaves a beautiful tapestry of dreamy musical incarnations that emphasize the cello’s warm texture accompanied at times by voice, guitar, clarinet, accordion, marimba, piano, and percussion. The album’s poignancy is based on an artful approach that fully utilizes current recording technology allowing for overdubbing melody, countermelody, harmony, and other effects.

Recorded in California, “Skyward” grabs a listener’s attention with memorable jaunts into various genres from ambient to Latin. Helping to boost the energy are the instrumental flavorings provided sparely by Madou Kepler (percussion), Danny Barca (guitar), Fred Raulston (marimba), Steve Davidson (congas), Lynn Archambault (accordion), Eric Kritz (clarinet), and Carolyn Steinbuck (piano). These guests only appear in one or two pieces each so their involvement is fleeting, but they leave lasting effects when the entire set is viewed as an adventurous journey from start to finish.      

If there are a couple pieces that best define Marcia’s vision for her music, then it’s probably “When the Bow Hits the Strings” and “Find Your Feet.” Sung with a little precocious whimsy, her thoughtful lyrics speak to life being “better off for the giving” in the former composition. Marcia seems to view music as a way of breaking down boundaries, recognizing the interrelationships of nature, and ultimately embracing destiny. “Find Your Feet” provides an interesting perspective and linkage from one’s feet to their soul and roots. In “Canvas of My Life,” the musician paints a soundscape and even acknowledges that the cello’s tinge is “orangey umber” and that it “snugly fits around a piece that’s brown and aqua blue.” The last five tracks on “Skyward” are compositions written for a Marc Chagall exhibit at the Mendocino Art Center. With cello, clarinet and piano, the sequencing of the five incorporates references to flora, fauna, love and compassion to address the very nature of life itself.

Marcia Sloane’s music clearly has a pensive and introspective side. It will stimulate and inspire you to contemplate your own existence. With a kind, caring and considerate thread running through her music, Marcia Sloane wants nothing more than to be helpful and moving. Her album’s insight is fairly straightforward. “A painting is much greater than the total of its parts / And that’s the truth of you and me and life and love and art.” Skyward’s set is a rewarding collection. Connect with Marcia’s musical messages to discover some helpful insight of your own. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)