Singer/songwriters JG Kemper (acoustic guitar/vocals) and Kayce McGehee (piano/vocals) make up the Los Angeles band Winter Plans. Their latest EP Ghosts captures the feelings of isolation in the hopes of creating a togetherness through shared experience, understanding and music. Kemper states: ”These songs were written about isolation as a means of bringing people together with a shared understanding and a reminder of the importance of the making extra effort for one another. The quick check ins, the random act of kindness and the grace of understanding are incredible gifts that we all must strive to share.” During the winter of 2019, JG began writing music about isolation. Little did he know, Covid was coming a few months later, and the rest of the world would understand isolation in a way never experienced before. During the spring last year, Kemper shared his work with McGehee and the two formed Winter Plans. Ghosts was written in Richmond, Virginia and Los Angeles, then recorded at 4th Street Recording in LA during the pandemic. Produced by Tim Brennan of Gold Sky Music in Nashville and mastered by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering, the EP also features appearances by Symbol Sweeney (viola) and Trevor Exter (cello), and additional arrangements by Tim Brennan.
The opening track by the EP’s same name, is a warm, gentle, acoustic number with an Americana feel. The highlight for me was definitely the cello and viola – such a rich sound! But the vocal pairing between McGehee and Kemper could not be any more perfect. There is the feeling of isolation with the song’s words, but the warmness of the instruments playing together makes up for the cold, melancholy vibes. Carrying on the juxtaposition between warm, rich melodies and sad lyrics is “Alone” – another great number featuring strings, and also piano. “Cost” puts the cello and piano front and center with the song’s melody. Kemper’s voice sounds a bit more rugged and worn here in the beautiful song. Next is “Panic” – a song that has a more ballad-like quality to it. More gently played, it seems than the others, with a greater viola, piano and vocal presence. If you like stringed instruments where you can just hear their heart and soul in them, you’ll love this one. “Shake” features an acoustic to piano rhythm, where the instruments almost seem like they are in unison. McGehee has a greater presence her on vocal, where Kemper takes the backseat for a moment or two. There is a nice piano solo that builds up which I liked. Lastly there is “Night” – the band’s longest track. Lyrically, the words sound like they look back on memories, but also being aware of the present times we’re living. Dang, I don’t have any better words to say about this one other than you really should listen to it. It’s gorgeous! Musically, it reminded me of Paul Westerberg’s gentler acoustic numbers he did with the Replacements – songs like “Sadly Beautiful” or “Skyway.” But in terms of Americana music, this LA pair gives the listener a refreshing take on what you might think a traditional Americana band sounds like.
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