There are echoes of Rachael Sage’s theatrical and emotive baroque pop/rock in the likes of Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles, but the bigger headline is that Sage has been her own boss over the course of her 21-year career. Since Sage’s 1996 debut, Morbid Romantic, the self-taught pianist has maintained her own MPress label and played by her own rules, releasing 11 albums and a pair of EPs dealing with the vagaries and victories of life and love.
Choreographic doesn’t stray from her comfort zone, although there are moments drawn from Sage’s early ballet experience as well as the tactile flourishes of her visual art pursuits. As a result, she makes the most of her penchant for clever imagery and emotional melodicism in a propulsive pop setting (“Heaven [Is A Grocery Store Clerk]”) while accessing her inner Shawn Colvin (“Try Try Try,” “I’ve Been Waiting”) and proving there’s strength in heartbreak (“Clear Today”). And while it was written and recorded months ago, “It Would Be Enough” might be the most eloquent and perfect David Bowie eulogy to date.
—Brian Baker
