Ciara McAllister - To Shimmering Light

Ciara McAllister

To Shimmering Light
​self-released; 2021

By Jay Freeman

San Franciscan singer, songwriter and pianist Ciara McAllister fuses elements of pop, rock, blues and jazz with classical music, the latter of which she was formally trained in. With a voice that’s as strong as it is vulnerable, a gift for intimate songwriting and an old-soul sensibility, McAllister calls to mind ‘70s greats like Carole King and Stevie Nicks. And yet, she brings modern influences too — a bit of Regina Spektor’s avant-garde, folk-pop and a touch of Fiona Apple’s sultry edge. After more than a decade of performing in Bay Area bands, McAllister struck out on her own and the result is To Shimmering Light – a 13-track album both deeply intimate and grand in scope. It was recorded at John Vanderslice's Tiny Telephone Studio in Oakland and San Francisco by Beau Sorenson (Death Cab For Cutie, Bob Mould). McAllister recorded all keys and synths, vocals and harmonies, and then arranged the tunes for guitar, bass, drums, strings and choir (i.e., track 12). 

Thematically, the album is about hope. It's a deep dive through the mysteries of how one finds light in a sometimes-dark world. McAllister began writing this album after the breakup of her rock band Hidden in the Sun. The breakup was heartbreaking, and she found herself alone at the piano. But through this, new songs began to form that reflected her feelings of isolation and the strength she was finding in her own voice. McAllister started her musical journey as a classically trained pianist, so there are cinematic elements to this album. However, other genres are present, including jazz, funk, folk and electronic. Altogether, the album combines experience, inspiration and insights. There are also strong natural elements –light, water and air – things that McAllister connects to deeply. These are reflected in the use of strings, synths and effects, which layer into the aural landscape of the album.

The album open with “Musings” – a just under three-minute introduction into McAllister’s style of piano playing and the commanding control she has with her voice. Strings come in at the song’s climatic moment and some quite unique percussion elements are added in, too. “Off the Hook” begins with an organ and then a rhythm in an alt-pop style. Her voice gets a layered treatment here, adding more depth within the song’s melody. I remember listening to Fiona Apple’s debut when it first came out, sometime in the fall of whatever year it came out – this song reminds me of her early stuff. Next is “Planks” and this one has a groovy, ‘70s soul/jazz feel to it, but with a modern sound as well. Pretty cool guitar solo, too.  “Run” has a bluesy edge with a great slow dancing rhythm. A traditional piano was perfect for this one. The artist takes her own songwriting advice – “when I see danger, I run.”  “Now” focuses on a stripped-down sound of McAllister’s voice and piano with some drums and an electric guitar adding to the song’s more dramatic moments. This one’s got a lot of romance behind it.

“Just Hang On” showcases a mellow vibe in a more traditional singer/songwriter fashion of the early ‘70s. The positive message in McAllister’s words, coupled with a soft folk rock vibe, reminds me of Carole King’s Tapestry. As a young child of the ‘70s, I really liked this one. “Fairytale” gives the listener another quieter piano/singer moment. She sings – “We grow older / the light starts to fade / we stay in the shadows / that swallow our faith – we can’t help but wonder/ what happened to yesterday? – “Let’s not let go of the Fairytale.” This tune was powerful both lyrically and instrumentally – very moving. “Under Your Skin” is a short, lush number about pining for someone or courting them, I think. The guitar playing was cool on this one. “Please Tell Me Why” features a gentle swaying, soft rock rhythm and old-school keys in a jazzy-lounge style.

“No Good as Strangers” is a powerful number about a relationship that should really stick together. A sultry, slow dancing song. I like how McAllister ended this song on the piano. Another slow rhythmic number is “You Can’t Buy Love” – a folksier tune in the style of Carole King and The Band. “Saving Grace” has a bit of a gospel edge and a choir of seven singers to prove it. There was an inspiring feel to it, and I thought the drum playing/treatments sounded interesting. The chorus’ part delivered the goods – “Just keep believing / trust in unanswered prayers / you can reach heaven.” Last up is, “Set You Free – Shimmering Light” and it’s about loss and letting go. Not sure to whom McAllister is singing to, although there are some hints in her words that suggest it may be about a parent – “I can’t save you anymore / so I’ll just set you free / as forgiveness comes / and washes us clean / I’ve been dying for relief / I should have been trying to release you.”  This is the album’s only song that features just McAllister and her piano. And if you wait for it, the last minute or so features some gorgeous piano playing.  Another moving number, no doubt.

​Not to sound too cliché, but McAllister’s work is quite breathtaking – a lot of emotion is packed within her songs. So, give this album a listen! I’m sure we’ll be seeing more from this West Coast artist in the coming years.

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