Roz Pappalardo and The Wayward Gentlemen - This Lifeboat CD Review

Roz Pappalardo and The Wayward Gentlemen - This Lifeboat
Plus One Records 9319505825416
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A rapturous mix of country styles all perfectly blended together
Roz Pappalardo has spent many years touring as one half of the popular Australian folk/indie duo Women In Docs. Spreading her musical wings Roz has swapped styles and released an alternative country album with the help of The Wayward Gentlemen, a selection of some of Brisbane’s finest male musicians. At the helm of this exciting new project is legendary Brisbane based producer Magoo. Roz’s music strongly reflects her musical influences – Gillian Welch, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams and Lucinda Williams. Roz Pappalardo is an accomplished songwriter and it is this quality, which helps propel her on this latest musical journey. The album starts off with I Say Fall, which is a quality song. Roz has stunning vocals, which she shows off beautifully in this opening number. There is a strong country vibe running throughout this song. Not Enough is a livelier song, Roz’s vocals are punchy and the backing music is upbeat. Broke features Brisbane singer/song writer Andrew Morris on vocals. This is a gentle song full of lush, warming vocals. One of the highlights of this amazing CD is a cover of the Dolly Parton classic hit Here You Come Again. Roz has given the song more of a country twang than the original had; her lively, upbeat vocals really suit this song, which Roz certainly puts her own stamp on. Lifeboat is a stunning song featuring some great harmonies. There is plenty of emotion in this song. One More Day is a faster modern country song. His Face features folk singer Ben Salter on vocals. This is a slow song of the highest quality. Ben and Roz’s vocals really complement each other. Playground sees the mood pick up again. This is a more upbeat song with strong lyrics and vocals. Magnolia Café follows on in a similar vain. If you like strong female singer/song writers then you will love this album. No Mountain is a slower song with plenty of emotion packed into the musical backing and gorgeous velvety vocals provided by Roz. This is the kind of song listeners will want to dive into head first. Little Boxes ends the album off with a bang. This is not a song for the faint hearted, quirky and rousing; this song really hammers home just what a great performer Roz Pappalardo really is.