Mary Ann Casale Album "Restless Heart" Review.

Artist: Mary Ann Casale

Album: Restless Heart

Released: 2016 (Reissued 2026)

Artist Website: https://maryanncasale.com/

It is easy to understand why this Mary Ann Casale album was recently reissued, as it is simply a masterpiece that has flown under the radar for the last ten years. Mary Ann's vocal performances are amongst the most unique that this writer has heard. There is a warmth that needs to be heard to be truly understood. Her voice has a natural smokey quality that is beyond description. This twelve song set clocks in at 42 minutes and it is filled with Americana / Roots and Blues tracks that are so well done that I am unsure how this record has stayed criminally unnoticed. 

The title track Restless Heart kicks the album off setting the table for the seven course meal that is coming. Mary Ann's breathy voice is accompanied by a solo acoustic guitar for the first verse. It is the simplicity of that arrangement that draws the listener into this very special talent's unmistakable sound. As the song progresses and evolves it becomes reminiscent of the great Mark Knopfler's post Dire Straits work. To be amongst that company is no doubt a rare space and is truly a gift for the listener. 

Don't Know Where To Start impeccably encapsulates the sound of this album . Again, Mary Ann's vocal performance is a pillar of relaxed mastery of her instrument. The band supports her every move, coexisting with the best there is in the studio musician business. A twelve string guitar and organ create a thick warm bed for Mary Ann to shine and inspire. This record is one of those releases that on the surface sounds like the band is playing nothing, yet somehow it is obvious that the musicians are masters of their craft. It is hard to stay this pocketed and still expose the world class skill that is required to deliver at this level. The understated virtuosity is crystal clear to the informed ears. It cannot be taught, but it can be learned over decades, and clearly this group of players has done their homework.

Cryin' Over You is an uber hip little blues track. A lazy shuffle, when done like this, never gets old. It is always a pleasure to hear how masters of the blues interpret the time tested formula. Many modern artists push the blues into new territory, which I suppose is a necessity for it to attract new listeners. But this cut is proof that sometimes it doesn't need to be pushed at all, but instead just performed with taste and respect. After all, the blues masters didn't reinvent the 12 bar formula, but just put their own stamp on it. It seems there has been room to stamp it in a different way since Son House surfaced. It's a language that doesn't need to be rewritten, but instead just spoken gracefully with a heartfelt message, which this band seems to do quite effortlessly.  

Mary Ann Casale is an undiscovered gem that needs to be heard. She and her band have that rare quality that appeals to both the casual music fans and the informed players. What the casual listener will undoubtedly hear is a very easy to listen to unique vocalist performing well written songs. The music fan that is perhaps going deeper than the surface will hear not only that, but the fingerprints of exceptional players gracefully supporting the songs and singer. Never showboating, but playing the right parts with taste and maturity. It would seem easy to do so, but those who know, are aware that it isn't easy at all. Although listening to this album one would think otherwise, as it sounds as relaxed as the biggest bear in the woods casually taking a stroll without a worry.