Kelli Scarr - Piece

Kelli Scarr is nothing if not multi-talented -- and exceptionally busy. From playing guitar and singing as an integral member of Moby's band on his last album tour, scoring a variety of films, fronting a variety of indie bands over the years (Moonraker, Salt and Samovar), Scarr was most recently a member of Color of Clouds an electroacoustic folk/pop trio that released their fine full-length debut Satellite of Love in February. But through all the transition and projects -- and raising her 3-year-old son -- the Brooklynite still found time to craft her own songs. Piece, her solo debut arriving July 27 (Silence Breaks), gathers those songs together in a stripped, cut-to-the-bone atmosphere that is at turns chilling in stark relief and as warm as glowing ember.

Lyrically reflective, uncommonly personal without a hint of pretense, the songs of Piece often start as simple series of piano notes and brushed rhythm, Scarr's vocals revealing a sense of vulnerability and a yearning dreaminess. "Salt to the Sea" is a marvel of celestial voices, restrained and subdued, slowly building from delicate whisper to a massive downpour of release. "Brother", an electro-pop highlight from the Color of Clouds project, is stripped back to the acoustic lullaby core here in a version that shines a half-lit spot on Scarr's serene and comforting vocals. Compare the two versions after the jump. Recommended.

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Kelli Scarr - "Salt to the Sea" (from the album Piece)

Kelli Scarr - "Brother" (from the album Piece)

Color of Clouds - "Brother" (from the album Satellite of Love)