Joey Beltram returns to Ball of Wax after contributions to Quarterlies 35, 36, and 39. Beltram, performing as Goodmorning Valentine, delivers a pared down perfect duet in “My Little Valentine.”
A gentle walking folk melody played on acoustic guitar sets the tone of the song across its opening bars. Beltram’s Cotten picking is joined by his warm, evocative baritone. There is a gravel to his voice which suggests a quiet strength of experience while at the same time
hinting towards a deep vulnerability. My, my how the song develops over a few short turns of the guitar’s melody. Beltram’s vocals are soon coupled mid-sentence with those of a female companion. He sings, “You came out of blank space saying that a good change is what I need.” They sing, “I knew you’d find your way through.” Here the fragility of character that had been implied in Beltram’s voice is
exposed. His phrases diminish as they near completion, and his words fall unfinished. The singer is a broken man. With such tenderness his partner is there to lift him up and support him. Her voice rises as
his falls. She gently and lovingly completes his words. As his voice falters, hers increases in confidence and strength.
The interplay of the two voices is beautiful and central to “My Little Valentine.” They complement each other in every way. I am reminded of Gram Parsons and Crystal Gayle, or perhaps Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush in “Don’t Give Up.” Without her voice, the singer is lost. With her they can find her way through. With her the song is perfect.