Rather than the usual sources of record collection, shows or something recently read it was just by taking in the turn of the season that provided the inspiration for this week’s piece. From The Mastersons’s eponymous 2012 debut album “Birds Fly South” feels autumnal on many levels. As the birds fly south at this time of year so the song’s principal character feels similarly inclined to leave behind the cold, harsh city for softer climes. Sonically there is a gentle end-of-season vibe that prompts the listener to look up and embrace a complete change of scene.
The Mastersons, husband and wife duo Chris Masterson and Eleanor Whitmore, have featured several times on these pages over the years. Together they have released four albums and are as well known for their contribution to Steve Earle’s Dukes & Duchesses, which they departed two years ago. During their 12 years with Earle they toured the world constantly, very often as the support as well as part of the headline act. Both from Texas, they lived for a while in New York but now base themselves in LA. Eleanor Whitmore is also known for “Ghost Stories”, her acclaimed collaboration with sister Bonnie released in 2022.
The album “Birds Fly South” was well received. Performing and recording as a duo gave full vent to Whitmore’s soaring vocal range and violin backed by Masterson’s command of all things stringed. They harmonise beautifully. Their songs are meticulously crafted as they blend elements of light alt country, pop and folk, in other words, americana.
Masterson’s layered acoustic opening lines to the title track immediately evoke a sense of longing for somewhere else. Whitmore’s soprano deepens that sense,
“Left before the first snow
Before the gray comes and grabs hold
You know birds fly south before the cold
All night, I’m gonna drive”
With that analogy, following the natural path of the birds, the whole song, like the vast skies they fly, opens up. Oppressive in summer heat, New York does not let up when it turns cold losing its appeal in the process. It is too fast, “So long sidewalks and subway cars/ ‘Cause I wanna go someplace soft where the pace is slow”. Matching the plan emerging in the lyrics Whitmore’s vocals covey an intensifying resolve. This is going to happen. “Will you please be by my side?” Is irresistible. Their harmonising on the chorus would suggest that is a definite yes from Masterson, a distant harmonium waving them on their way south.
Whimsical, yet determined, ‘Birds Fly South’ is a song for this season and a timely reminder that the birds will still fly south, whatever happens.
