Chemical Reaction. Beth Wimmer

Little did I know that the chance show I saw of Beth Wimmer at the Q-Bus in Leiden in the spring of 2012 would lead to a longer lasting relation with us emailing fairly regularly and even to a show in our living room in 2017.

Come 2020 and Beth returns on these pages with a new album. To record it she returned to her friend Billy Watts and his band the Mojo Monkeys. The 2017 album 'Bookmark' was an artistic triumph, setting the standard fairly high for Chemical Reaction.

Fans can be rest assured, Beth and her backing band deliver the whole of the way. For those expecting a woman and her guitar, like at live shows, could be disappointed, as there is a full backing band accompanying Beth. This is a professional album in sound and all else.

Things Beth Wimmer begin with her full, warm voice. She is able to envelope her listeners with the warmth of that voice. She sings, giving the listeners her full attention and easily gives the impression she is singing only for you. She actively shares happiness, contemplation and introspection through her voice. I simply love listening to her sing as it changes everything in and around me a little instantly.

Next to that she is able to write songs that make a difference as well. The genre is singer-songwriter and Americana that is spruced up by the Mojo Monkeys. This makes her music a lot tougher than when she plays on her own (of course). Especially in the more rocking songs. Just as easily she switches to a delicate song or a song with a more Caribbean flavour. Her voice carries them over just as convincingly. The band follows her with ease, making Beth and her songs grow and glow.

The American artist but for years a Swiss resident works primarily with the Los Angeles based Mojo Monkeys on this album but guest appearances from Swiss musicians on instruments like keyboards and viola are present as well. What stands out immediately is the clear sound. This is a neat production that underscores the songs and Beth Wimmer's voice in all the right ways. The music makes her shine. The nice and clear sounding drums, a soft bass playing elementary but soothing notes, allow for Billy Watts to excel on guitar. He easily plays many different styles built through the years as a studio and live musician for various artists. I remember many-a story being told by him at our dinner table in 2017.

Chemical Reaction is an album that from the first notes makes me believe it is going to be a sunny day. The day may disappoint after all, Chemical Reaction does not. Around me that sun holds up with ease. While writing this line, a new song starts and Beth sings "Now I really need some sunshine"; coincidences do not exist folks. The song is called 'Cold Rain'. The moment you start playing the song, the 'Cold Rain' remains firmly locked out. It is another example of the beautiful, graceful accompaniment of Beth's songs on this album. It all just fits so beautifully.

All artists have a rough time with not being able to perform. Releasing a new album takes a lot of investment, not only in writing but in recording, hiring musicians, pressing cds, and a lot more. So take my word, folks, this is a beautiful album. Support this Swiss-American singer-songwriter and order her cd below. You won't be disappointed.

Wo.

https://bethwimmer.com/music


or listen to our Spotify Playlist to find out what we are writing about:

https://open.spotify.com/user/glazu53/playlist/6R9FgPd2btrMuMaIrYeCh6?si=KI6LzLaAS5K-wsez5oSO2g