In music, some collaborations just seem like no-brainers. This is especially the case when two entities of similar backgrounds come together to create something purely brilliant. An example of this is the Providence jazz-roots quartet Evening Sky joining forces to make an album with the Wakefield based vocalist Eden Casteel. The release is part of a series called “Plus One” that has the band putting their own spin on songs written by another band or musician with a specific singer lending their lyrical talents. This particular edition came out on December 7 and it had an assortment of folks working behind the scenes.

Along with Casteel, pedal steel guitarist Chris Brooks, drummer, percussionist & synth player Eric Hastings, bassist Joe Potenza and guitarist Gino Rosati recorded the album at Hastings’ studio in Providence known as “The Grapevine”. The tracks were then mixed at both Undercarriage Studios in Philadelphia by Tom Spiker and at the Creative Acoustics Lab in Chalfont, Pennsylvania by Geoff Hazelrigg with Scott Craggs handling the mastering at Old Colony Mastering in Scituate.

“Eden has become a fixture in the Rhode Island music scene,” Potenza says about getting her involved in the project. “[She’s been] making her mark as a vocal coach, teacher, live streaming pioneer, actress, jazz/pop singer, open mic leader and a great collaborator. Last year she joined us to record a collection of songs by Jimmy Web, Linda Ronstadt, Dan Hicks, Gordon Lightfoot, something from the musical ‘Hadestown’ and a re-imagining of the Robert Plant song ‘Big Log’, which was the first single we released.”

“Big Log” starts the album off in profound fashion with Casteel’s vocal range being evident right from the get go. That song from “Hadestown” is “Our Lady of the Underground” and it’s simultaneously sly, haunting and charismatic. “Blue Bayou” is that Linda Ronstadt song Potenza mentioned and there’s a mix of blues and funk being intertwined with a slow, elegant vibe. I also enjoy the Gordon Lightfoot song “If You Could Read My Mind”, but you know what I’m going to say next if you’re familiar with my articles about albums. I recommend listening to this edition of Evening Sky’s “Plus One” series from start to finish and forming your own opinions on which songs you like the most.

To do so, log onto Evening Sky’s Bandcamp page at eveningsky.bandcamp.com. While you’re at it, dive into the other installments of the “Plus One” series featuring local singer-songwriter Ben Shaw and blues vocalist Tish Adams. Each edition brings something different to the senses while giving the spotlight to established songs that most folks might not immediately recognize. They also give the spotlight to the person doing the singing, which is a joy to behold on its own. To get exactly what I just talked about in this article, start plugging in, pressing play and taking your ears for a ride.