Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is described by The National Institute of Mental Health, as a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over. “Bear With Me” is a song written by Tracey Coryell in the spirit of OCD awareness. “It’s about the journey of recovery from it; requiring strength, finding your faith again, rising from the ashes, asking for patience and pushing through no matter what,” explains Tracey.
During the last 30 years, Tracey Coryell has been working as a singer-songwriter. She has garnered two “Best Love Song” awards from the Songwriter’s Showcase of America and has also worked alongside Grammy-winning producers, as well as performed with the likes of Jefferson Airplane’s Jorma Kaukonen, and the legendary Les Paul. Not to mention her work with her beloved late husband, and iconic jazz guitarist, Larry Coryell.
Following in the footprints of her 2019 album release, “RaVel” – which was dedicated to Larry Coryell – the single “Bear With Me”, once again showcases all the innate skills which make Tracey Coryell such an impressive songwriter and performer in her own right. The poised and organic Americana sound, along with Tracey’s eloquently articulate voice, goes straight to the soul.
The careful production also furnishes Tracey Coryell with a heartfelt, and gracious radio-friendly sound. The pre-chorus is lovely, while the bridge provides the emotional crux brought home by the chorus. “Bear With Me” is pretty captivating, with its glistening guitars and grounded downtempo percussion.
Tracey Coryell’s cautionary words form the core of “Bear With Me” which is dressed in melody and melancholic charm. Thanks to her nuanced vocal mannerisms and profound narrative perspectives, she achieves the delicate balance of appearing deeply compassionate and confessional, while never sounding pitiful.
Tracey dips and croons, trying on sophisticated vocal tones which melt the heart. The emotional tilt alternates between a voice that’s full-throated and proud, and fragile and vulnerable. She captures the desperation that goes hand in hand with the knowledge that uncontrollable disorders can destroy an existence that is worth salvaging.
Tracey also understands that the moment one admits to having a problem, is the precise moment one has the power to begin to heal that problem. “I’m searching, and I’m feeling, and I’m praying. Oh I’m just saying, bear with me. I’m just going through a thing.” It is this perception that finally leads to her healing process. “Grace fell upon me just in time. The girl that I once used to be, no longer suits me.”
“Bear With Me” preserves the intimacy and honesty of her past work, but underscores that Tracey Coryell is finding an even deeper musical path. She’s not just narrating tales of dilemmas and afflictions, she’s searching for answers and solutions.
It is the inflected beauty of her voice clashing against the assertive spirit of her character that is capable of providing the spark for the distressed to stand up, and carry on. Tracey Coryell has never sounded purer or more steadfast.
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