Valerie June
"The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers"
(Fantasy *** 1/2)
At the heart of Valerie June’s fifth album, there’s a 25-second track called “African Proverb,” that’s read by Carla Thomas, the Memphis soul singer that June has called “the fairy godmother of the record.”
The saying goes: “Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet.” It’s a sly reference to Thomas’ 1963 hit “What a Fool I’ve Been,” and also a lead in to “Call Me a Fool,” the luxurious, old-school soul song that features Thomas and is "The Moon and Stars’" first single.
The proverb advises caution. But “Call Me a Fool” endorses an opposite point of view. It’s a love song about letting go, taking chances, dreaming big. Call June a fool if you like. It’s not her style to dip a toe. She’s diving in.
June plays both banjo and guitar, and has always stood out in the American roots music world as an artist who blends genres to her own end.
What’s so impressive about "The Moon and Stars" is it expands that vision in collaboration with producer Jack Splash, who’s worked with mainstream acts like John Legend and Alicia Keys, without losing sight of what makes June’s spiritually entrancing music unique.
On the contrary, June sounds more herself than ever, whether being pushed forward by a martial drumbeat and swelling strings on “Stay” or experimenting with Fela Kuti polyrhythms or simply accompanying herself on banjo. The meditative "Moon and Stars" was recorded pre-pandemic, but the music soothes as if designed for stressful times. Rooted in the real world, it gazes overhead, into the mystic. — Dan DeLuca
