Philly singer-songwriters Abi Reimold and Curtis Cooper are two artists with sublime voices that we are always thrilled to hear, and last week they teamed up on a pair of exquisite covers from the annals of early aughties indie-folk.
First up on the Winter Covers release is a gorgeous duo rendering of Elliott Smith’s haunting “A Fond Farewell” featuring just Reimold and Cooper; it pairs with a minimal ensemble version of “Naked As We Came” by Iron and Wine, which also includes vocals Morgane Fouse (who folks from the 20-teens indie scene might remember performing under the name Ganou) as well as synth by Jack Zafares (who plays bass in Cooper’s live band, and just released a stirring instrumental single called “Amygdala“). Collectively they capture the spirit of Sam Beam’s original while also bringing a vibrant spirit of love, friendship, and community to the song — traits that are particularly on display in the music video of the group frolicking in Bartram’s Garden on a sunny afternoon.
Watch the video and listen to the EP below; Reimold, Cooper, and Zaferes will play Christ Church Neighborhood House in Old City on Friday, July 8th as part of a two-day mini-fest that Zaferes organized (more information here). For more, check out a track-by-track rundown of Cooper’s 2019 album Graceful, and read this 2018 interview with Reimold and Sam Kesler.