Underground artist catches the public eye with sage lyrics

By Nate Seltenrich

Rachael Sage's deep blue left eye stares at me from the back cover of her fifth album, "Public Record." As I listen to the poetically rockin' soul-searcher "What If," the first track on the album, I feel as if the eye manifests Sage's physical presence in the room. I can't tear away, and out of some strange discomfort feel compelled to flip the jewel case over â€" but not before I catch a glimpse of the galaxies within that painted and jeweled eye.

As "Public Record" continues, so does Sage's intimate self-disclosure. All fourteen songs, which ambitiously explore issues of love, acceptance, and identity through a lush palette of pop, folk, and jazz, are written in the first person.

"You say that you find me 'intoxicating'-what dare I ask does that word really mean? / Could I be someone who you would rely on â€" or am I just someone you'll always run from?" she asks in "of Blue."

Sage's music is as vivid as her lyricism. The album features no less than sixteen additional musicians, who play drums, saxophone, cello, trumpet, guitar, bass, percussion, organ, harmonica, tambourine, viola, violin, and flugelhorn.

Among numerous other honors and awards, Sage was the Grand Prize Winner of the esteemed John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2001. She knows how to piece together a moving and cohesive song, and skillfully calls upon her guest musicians to fill in and flavor her work. However, it is her deft fingers on the piano keys that drive most of the songs.

Sage has been recording and touring since 1996, yet she remains an independent and underground artist. Her current tour visits tiny venues, including private homes, record stores, coffee shops, and clubs. Her soulful voice will no doubt fill the hearts and minds of her audiences in these small spaces.

The last track on the album, "Frost," is fittingly sparse, featuring only soothing violin, delicate piano, soft percussion, and Sage's whispered voice. If Sage's eye was the window to her soul, her music has been an open door.

Grade: A

Contact Nate Seltenrich at (408) 554-4852 or at nseltenrich@scu.edu.