Paler Shade - Pam Mark Hall

This is one of the finest forgotten recordings of the early-'90s singer/songwriter boom. It received absolutely no attention because of Pam Mark Hall's prior history of second-rate pop recordings for the Christian music market and the fact that this album was released by a label that no one heard of, was not promoted, and hence died a quick and unnoticed death. Paler Shade was tastefully produced by guitarist Dave Perkins, whose beefy sound adorned the lone, underrated Chagall Guevara release and late-'70s Jerry Jeff Walker albums, among others. Here Perkins employs a gentler approach to complement the tender ballads and acoustic suggestions of Hall's songs. Her voice possesses both the glow of Jewel and the strength of Trisha Yearwood as she explores a variety of roots-related styles. "Today Is All That I Have" is an up-tempo neo-traditionalist country number featuring the mandolin and accordion playing of Phil Parlapiano. "Rock Me on the Water" is an acoustic blues piece with Parlapiano on slide guitar, and "Paler Shade of You" is a world music smorgasbord with Italian accordion, exotic percussion, and gypsy violin. "All Right Now" and "See Me Grow" are two of the most thoughtful and tuneful pieces that the overpopulated and loosely defined category of singer/songwriter can lay claim to. In addition to Perkins' meticulous production and the invaluable contribution by multi-instrumentalist Parlapiano, Paler Shade boasts some superb spot duty by fiddler David Davidson and guitarist Brent Rowan. And, arguably, the glue that holds this album together is provided by Glenn Worf, who subsequently became, perhaps, the busiest bassist in '90s roots-based music. ~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide