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by Mark Maxwell Abushady, NYC MUSIC
Sometimes, reviewers are lucky enough to be able to consider an artist’s work a second time and, if the stars line up for that artist, we experience the growth and expansion of his or her vision and talent. If Crimson was an excellent debut album for singer/songwriter Kirsten Maxwell (and it was), this self-titled EP release is the blossoming and maturing of her notable talent both as songwriter and singer. Six songs make up this offering, each a standout; though taken together they perfectly showcase Ms. Maxwell’s versatility. Fuller, more lush accompaniments are utilized but, wisely, not at the expense of the intimacy – one of the hallmarks of this artist. Opening is I Couldn’t Breathe, a tender love song that explores the feeling, “… when someone takes your breath away.” The lyrics are pure poetry, as are those for I Wonder If, a most beautiful ballad (Mike Tedesco, piano). I’ll Be The Fire, on the other hand, is a love song of the more steamy kind, and this is reflected not only in the lyrics, but also in the insistent beat, hypnotic synths and vocal doublings, and breathless quality of the vocals. Prism, a lovely tribute to her mother, is sweetly accompanied by Kirsten on the guitar. Butterfly, probably her biggest departure from a folk music sound, expresses the consequences of unconscious actions utilizing futuristic synth and echoed vocal wails. It’s almost startling in the epic quality it presents. The final cut – It Started With a Rose – finds Kirsten venturing, with ease, into a kind of 50’s bluesy-rock sound, chronicling an ill-fated, passionate romance. A terrific EP from an artist set to soar!
FILM
Quest is a documentary following (for approximately ten years), the life of Christopher “Quest” Rainey and his family. They live in North Philadelphia, a notoriously neglected and challenged neighborhood, rife with crime and gang violence. As with any well-made documentary, the viewer gets caught up in the lives of its subjects, and Quest is no different. I think it safe to say that the lifestyle, life environment, and hip-hop/rap culture is pretty different from that of most Creations’ readers. That said, I think this is an important film, especially in this day and age, to awaken all to the environments and cultures that many of our fellow Americans live in. It will also “re-member” us all to the collective truths and desires that all human beings – parents, children, friends, and so forth – share. Although this is not the first film to do so, it still amazes to watch a work spanning so many years; to share the joys and sorrows experienced by this family, especially as centered around the childhood-to-early adulthood of daughter, P.J. Rainey. Christopher “Quest” Rainey emerges as a noble personage with a spiritual view on life and community. The opening scene finds him and his partner, Christine’a, marrying. Both have suffered disappointing previous marriages. He describes, eloquently, their shared approach, this time, to marriage: a laudable concept of partnering. In the backdrop of this film is the election and re-election of Barack Obama ending with the Donald Trump- Hillary Clinton campaign. Quest Rainey’s work centers on a recording studio set up with his wife, which doubles as a shelter of sorts, to the community. Christine’a serves as “mom” to many in this setting. Quest is a record promoter, producer and rapper. He feels he provides a place for kids who need something in their lives other than street violence and despair – “something to hold onto.” He provides encouragement, a sense of friendship and self-worth. And a place where rap and creative expression is encouraged. In spite of this positive outlook and safe space, his family is shaken by upset and near tragedies from violence endemic to the neighborhood. This is not an indictment of the bulk of people residing there, as one colorful, joyful block party shows. These are neighbors who care about each other. The documentary ends with Quest Rainey and Christine’a Rainey having spent 20 years together, and going strong. I refrain from giving away too much of the story. Suffice it to say that, in this time of polarization, upheaval, and exposed bigotry and prejudice, more information, more understanding, and more light is part of the solution. This film adds to the latter.
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KIRSTEN MAXWELL
QUEST