Long Time No See by Tamara Lewis CD Review

Long Time No See was released by Tamara Lewis in 2006. For me this is an album of contrasts. Much of the album has an old-fashioned feel about it. The listener has been transported back in time - back to a time of Pasty Cline, one of Tamara’s biggest influences. The other songs on this superb album have a truly modern feel, but this is modern music with a touch of class. A complex mix of country, jazz and blues gives Tamara a wonderful and slightly unique sound. There is something about Tamara’s voice that I cannot quite put my finger on. When you hear her sing it is like diving head first into a cup of steamy hot chocolate. Her voice has certain warmth about it and her vocals are sultry and sensuous. This blend of old and new works well together and gives the listener a joyous ride from the start of the album right through to the end.

The title track – Long Time No See, is one of those songs that has a really traditional feel about it. Tamara’s voice is charming and with little backing it really comes alive. This is both a pleasing and charming bluegrass track packed full of quality. There are echoes of Patsy Cline throughout this opening track but there are also echoes here of some of KD Lang’s earlier work.

Listen Me Back is a beautiful ballad that really showcases Tamara’s sensuous and sultry vocals. I like the fact that this song has not been over done in anyway. The backing is light and is never allowed to encroach on Tamara’s spectacular voice.

Just Because, the third song on this album, sees Tamara return to old style country once again. Tamara’s voice is reminiscent of the late Patsy Cline throughout this song. With a voice like velvet Tamara really brings this song to life.

Loose Ends World is one of those rare songs that you sometimes find hidden away on an album. This song has a modern feel to it, yet it is not a highly polished song with lots of over the top production. This song is gentle and has an organic feel to it. It is a beautiful number and quite evocative. Personally I found this song quite breath taking, right from the first moment I heard it, and the reason for that is Tamara’s delicate, warm vocals that make her stand head and shoulders above the average female singer/songwriter.

He’s Not You has a strong old-fashioned sound both in terms of the vocals and the music. Again there are reminders of Patsy Cline. Tamara has a unique gift and that is that she can transport the listener out of their arm chair and into another world.


Holy is another song where Tamara has taken everything back to basics. This is a delicate number and quite charming.

Ain’t No Better Match offers the listener another dose of old-fashioned country. Tamara is a gifted singer who’s able to turn back the hands of time so easily and so naturally.

This Goodbye sees Tamara change styles and opt for a more modern style of country. This is quite a breath taking ballad that will quite literally blow the listener away. You will want to hear this song again and again it is that good. Truly beautiful and sung from the heart. A knock out number that begs to be heard by the masses.

Strawberry Moon has something of a rustic charm about it. It is a quaint number with an old-fashioned country/bluegrass feel.

Are You Really There is a fantastic song with simple yet very poignant and powerful lyrics. Tamara sings this song with quiet vocals that give her voice an almost ghostly sound. The whole song has an organic feel to it. Listening to the lyrics I think this song will easily strike a chord with most listeners. There is something chilling about this number, quite captivating. This is another song that you will need to keep on repeat play. For me this song is a prime example of music and storytelling at its very best. I am sure Tamara’s job as a psychotherapist has had an influence over the lyrics of this song. The use of the cello really brings this song to life and gives it an almost morbid feel. Poetry set to music. I cannot heap enough praise on this one song. It is well worth buying this CD just to hear this masterpiece!

The Centre Of The World is a classy song with a slight blues feel. It is another gentle song allowing Tamara’s vocals to shine through. A thoroughly enjoyable and amazing track.

The final song on this album, I’m Really Happy Now, is another classy number with an old-fashioned sound. I am reminded whilst listening to this song of Patsy Cline singing Walking After Midnight. Tamara’s voice is simply stunning and brings to life so many echoes of the past.

Tamara has a wonderful knack of mixing contrasting styles together to form a wonderful collection of songs. This album infuses country – both old and new with bluegrass, jazz and blues and the end result is something that is both stunning to listen to and beautiful to the listeners ear. This is a classy album that contains some absolutely jaw dropping ballads. Mesmerising! If you are a fan of old style country then you will love Tamara’s classic country/bluegrass songs if however you are a fan of more modern country then you cannot help but fall in love with Tamara’s silky, velvet vocals on her more evocative ballads. Either way this is a superb album that will evoke memories of the past and tug at the heartstrings. Tamara is a singer with a voice full of honesty and passion that transcends the boundaries of time.