On a bitterly cold December night a few days before Christmas, that might explain a smaller than usual crowd at The Beehive in Swindon, I ventured out to see Blackheart.
Blackheart are a duo from Lancashire duo – Chrissy Mostyn and Richard Pilkington.
Once the show started the cold weather outside was soon forgotten. They performed a good two hour set featuring songs off of their CD – Indigo and new songs from their forthcoming CD. Their music is a blend of folk, roots and Americana. Both were keen to chat and talk about their music. I found them friendly and appreciative of the support towards their music.
Chrissy has a lovely voice and with Richard on guitar, mandolin and vocals their voices harmonise perfectly together.
One of the new songs they performed was called ‘Thank God You Found Me’. I hope that appears on their new CD as it was a brilliant track. I purchased a copy of their Indigo CD on the night and it is great – full of brilliant tracks. My favourite track on the CD was the title track. Definitely worth a listen.
Once again it proves that we have some excellent singers and writers in this country, it is just a great shame that they do not get more air play on radio stations over here. Blackheart deserve to do well and deserve to have their music played on all radio stations in the UK – country and non-country alike.
Once the show was over it was sadly back out into the cold.
If Blackheart appear anywhere in your area I would recommend going to see them as I do not think that you would be disappointed. They are an excellent duo and highly talented.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Atlantic Crossing Gig Review
Wednesday, 11th June saw an exciting show at The Beehive in Swindon. Atlantic Crossing saw three top young Canadian singer/songwriters performing solo tracks from their own back catalogues as well as playing guitar, harmonising and singing background vocals on each others songs. The trio consisted of Melisa Devost, Corbin Murdoch and Sarah MacDougall.
Corbin Murdoch had a voice reminiscent of the late Johnny Cash combined with the legendary Bruce Springsteen. His songs had a strong country feel tinged with a slight hint of blues. Great guitar work and powerful vocals proved that he is someone with enormous talent and a force to be reckoned with in future years. As the evening progressed Corbin’s vocals began to boom across the room.
It wasn’t a huge crowd that came to The Beehive to see the Atlantic Crossing show but it was certainly an appreciative crowd who clapped and cheered loudly at the end of each song.
Melisa Devost was on her second visit to The Beehive – a welcome return for her Swindon fans. Melisa’s voice is powerful and unique in sound infusing country, blues and gospel into her music. Melisa performed songs with her guitar and with no instrumental backing at all. The unplugged songs Melisa performed really stood out from the crowd stunning the audience into complete silence. Melisa has a great passion for music and this can be seen in abundance in her poignant lyrics. Melisa performed a touchingly beautiful song written for her friend who had suffered from cancer as well as a section of other songs from her album – Capacity.
Sarah MacDougall was mesmerising and gave a truly blinding performance. Her first visit to Swindon went down really well with the audience who raved over her magnificent vocals and delightful songs – many of which were full of quirky lyrics about life as it is today. Sarah sang a rather jolly song called Pain Reliever that had both Corbin and Melisa joining in on background vocals. Sarah sang songs from her 2005 album – Headed for the Hills including a touching performance of the albums title track. She also included songs from a new EP created especially for the Atlantic Crossing tour. Sarah’s songs mixed traditional country with a dash of folk resulting in a phenomenal sound.
The evening ended all too quickly with all three singers joining in with a rendition of an old Leonard Cohen song rearranged by another Canadian singer/songwriter called Kent McAlister. A rousing end to a truly remarkable evening. All three singer/songwriters were exciting and showed much potential and hope for the future of Canadian music. This was certainly one of the best shows I have seen in ages!
Corbin Murdoch had a voice reminiscent of the late Johnny Cash combined with the legendary Bruce Springsteen. His songs had a strong country feel tinged with a slight hint of blues. Great guitar work and powerful vocals proved that he is someone with enormous talent and a force to be reckoned with in future years. As the evening progressed Corbin’s vocals began to boom across the room.
It wasn’t a huge crowd that came to The Beehive to see the Atlantic Crossing show but it was certainly an appreciative crowd who clapped and cheered loudly at the end of each song.
Melisa Devost was on her second visit to The Beehive – a welcome return for her Swindon fans. Melisa’s voice is powerful and unique in sound infusing country, blues and gospel into her music. Melisa performed songs with her guitar and with no instrumental backing at all. The unplugged songs Melisa performed really stood out from the crowd stunning the audience into complete silence. Melisa has a great passion for music and this can be seen in abundance in her poignant lyrics. Melisa performed a touchingly beautiful song written for her friend who had suffered from cancer as well as a section of other songs from her album – Capacity.
Sarah MacDougall was mesmerising and gave a truly blinding performance. Her first visit to Swindon went down really well with the audience who raved over her magnificent vocals and delightful songs – many of which were full of quirky lyrics about life as it is today. Sarah sang a rather jolly song called Pain Reliever that had both Corbin and Melisa joining in on background vocals. Sarah sang songs from her 2005 album – Headed for the Hills including a touching performance of the albums title track. She also included songs from a new EP created especially for the Atlantic Crossing tour. Sarah’s songs mixed traditional country with a dash of folk resulting in a phenomenal sound.
The evening ended all too quickly with all three singers joining in with a rendition of an old Leonard Cohen song rearranged by another Canadian singer/songwriter called Kent McAlister. A rousing end to a truly remarkable evening. All three singer/songwriters were exciting and showed much potential and hope for the future of Canadian music. This was certainly one of the best shows I have seen in ages!
Ron Trueman-Border Gig Review
A less than usual crowd turned out to see folk, roots and blues singer Ron Trueman-Border at The Beehive on Wednesday, 28th April. Ron has a reputation as an excellent singer/songwriter creating beautiful songs that rake up a whole range of emotions. Ron’s talents as a songwriter and singer were most definitely on display as he performed with his guitar and harmonica. He started the first set with Romeo And Juliet a great song from his AMERICAN GHOSTS album. He continued with Whiskey And Beer, a song that went down well with the crowd and Tears Over My Bones from his 2004 album, with Felicity Greenland, called INNOCENTS ABROAD. The first set continued with two songs from Ron’s BREAKING HEARTS ALBUM - Black Eyed Sally and a nice slow song Old Man Of The Sea. Ron completed the first half of the evening with a protest song called Tearing My England Down and the very good Peter Green from his 1997 album UNREQUITED, which was reissued in 2000 with bonus tracks. Ron spent the interval chatting with the gathered crowd. The second half was even better than the first. Ron performed another selection of songs from his many albums including Drunk, the excellently written Angel Of Mercy and One Last Round. After two hours of fantastic music Ron brought the evening to a close with a bluegrass flavoured song called Diamonds (In My Own Backyard), which is featured on his 2002 live recording with Paul Sirman - GHOSTS LIVE – ROUGH & READY. The evening was a real treat for fans of acoustic music. Ron has been on the music scene for many years; after hearing him perform live it is easy to see why.
Luke Jackson - The Birds Don't Sing Around Here Song Review
Once again Luke Jackson has carefully crafted a lyrical masterpiece with his new song The Birds Don’t Sing Around Here. With each new song Luke manages to amaze me with his brilliance, a brilliance way beyond his years. This is a sentimental song about war and how even when it is over the mental and emotional costs are still great and long lasting. Luke conjures up a story, with his strong lyrics, that is bleak, emotional beyond words and heart breaking. As the lyrics play out Luke takes listeners on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This song contains sadness and misery, which Luke portrays with ease. Towards the end there is hope, it is as if the sun is finally bursting through the darkness. Luke’s vocals rise and fall throughout the song adding depth and atmosphere. This is a striking song worthy of a close listen.
Maslow's Songbook by Odi Album Review
Glorious vocals bring this stunning album to life
Claire Odlum better known as Odi is an Irish singer/songwriter whose music combines folk, acoustic, pop, rock and indie. Odi played her first gig three years a go, since that time she has supported Eleanor McEvoy, Brian Kennedy and Seth Lakeman as well as playing gigs in Ireland, the UK and Germany. Odi has already been tipped as one of the top five artists to watch in 2010 by MySpace/Vodafone. Dave Redfearn joins Odi on vocals, guitar and piano. Odi’s musical influences include Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Elbow. Odi’s debut album MASLOW’S SONGBOOK was recorded with producer Karl Odlum, who has worked with the likes of Fionn Regan. Odi’s vocals blend together an upbeat version of Dido with the strong vocals of Dolores O'Riordan. The album opens with Red Light an upbeat slightly rocky folk number. The vocals are strong and engaging and the melody is catchy. Something Beautiful is a forthcoming single. This is an enigmatic song full of magical vocals, which enthral. Odi effortlessly blends folk with pop; the end result is a really classy sound. Real To Me has a gentler more acoustic sound. The vocals here are haunting and packed full of emotion. Make It Better is a glorious song with delicious vocals. This song sees Odi in fine form with her vocals seamlessly blending a mixture of Tracy Chapman and Vanessa Carlton together. The backing music adds atmosphere and depth. Leaving My Love In New York sees the pace pick up a little. This is a more dramatic edgy folk/pop song. One In A Million has a very organic sound. I’m Done has a slight blues feel and an up-tempo beat. You Can’t Have It All is a vibrant folk/pop song backed with uplifting music. You Win But You Lose is a charming song with delicate vocals. Odi’s vocals have a slight touch of Carly Simon about them on this standout number. This is a striking folk infused song. Mariposa is another song, which really showcases Odi’s beautiful vocals. Here her vocals are warming and quite enthralling. This is a song that fans of good quality modern folk and country will enjoy. Lonely Ballerina leads nicely into the final song on the album Maslow’s Love Song, running at slightly over five minutes; this is a fantastic song to end the album on. Glorious haunting vocals, a little reminiscent of Tori Amos, give this song drama and character. This is an album bursting with top quality vocals and strong songs. One listen will never be quite enough!
Claire Odlum better known as Odi is an Irish singer/songwriter whose music combines folk, acoustic, pop, rock and indie. Odi played her first gig three years a go, since that time she has supported Eleanor McEvoy, Brian Kennedy and Seth Lakeman as well as playing gigs in Ireland, the UK and Germany. Odi has already been tipped as one of the top five artists to watch in 2010 by MySpace/Vodafone. Dave Redfearn joins Odi on vocals, guitar and piano. Odi’s musical influences include Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Elbow. Odi’s debut album MASLOW’S SONGBOOK was recorded with producer Karl Odlum, who has worked with the likes of Fionn Regan. Odi’s vocals blend together an upbeat version of Dido with the strong vocals of Dolores O'Riordan. The album opens with Red Light an upbeat slightly rocky folk number. The vocals are strong and engaging and the melody is catchy. Something Beautiful is a forthcoming single. This is an enigmatic song full of magical vocals, which enthral. Odi effortlessly blends folk with pop; the end result is a really classy sound. Real To Me has a gentler more acoustic sound. The vocals here are haunting and packed full of emotion. Make It Better is a glorious song with delicious vocals. This song sees Odi in fine form with her vocals seamlessly blending a mixture of Tracy Chapman and Vanessa Carlton together. The backing music adds atmosphere and depth. Leaving My Love In New York sees the pace pick up a little. This is a more dramatic edgy folk/pop song. One In A Million has a very organic sound. I’m Done has a slight blues feel and an up-tempo beat. You Can’t Have It All is a vibrant folk/pop song backed with uplifting music. You Win But You Lose is a charming song with delicate vocals. Odi’s vocals have a slight touch of Carly Simon about them on this standout number. This is a striking folk infused song. Mariposa is another song, which really showcases Odi’s beautiful vocals. Here her vocals are warming and quite enthralling. This is a song that fans of good quality modern folk and country will enjoy. Lonely Ballerina leads nicely into the final song on the album Maslow’s Love Song, running at slightly over five minutes; this is a fantastic song to end the album on. Glorious haunting vocals, a little reminiscent of Tori Amos, give this song drama and character. This is an album bursting with top quality vocals and strong songs. One listen will never be quite enough!
A Superman EP by Odi
Intoxicating, haunting and gorgeous
Released in 2008 A SUPERMAN is a stunning five track EP from Irish singer/songwriter Odi. The title track, A Superman, is a rocky pop song with edgy vocals. Odi’s vocals remind me greatly of Sian Evans from Kosheen. This is a strong fiery song. The music is dramatic allowing the song to build and build until it reaches a haunting climax. This is one of those songs you will want to hear again and again. What You Deserve sees Odi in a quieter mood. The vocals here are gentle and haunting, reminiscent in style of Dido. There is a lot of passion and raw emotion oozing out through Odi’s velvety vocals. Tears And Wine is a slightly more upbeat song with a gorgeous acoustic sound running through it. Once again the vocals are the highlight. Crawl has more of a rock/pop feel. This is a catchy song with a really strong sound. Leaving My Love In New York is an intoxicating song with rich heartfelt vocals. This song is moody and delicate again with a touch of Dido about it. SH
Released in 2008 A SUPERMAN is a stunning five track EP from Irish singer/songwriter Odi. The title track, A Superman, is a rocky pop song with edgy vocals. Odi’s vocals remind me greatly of Sian Evans from Kosheen. This is a strong fiery song. The music is dramatic allowing the song to build and build until it reaches a haunting climax. This is one of those songs you will want to hear again and again. What You Deserve sees Odi in a quieter mood. The vocals here are gentle and haunting, reminiscent in style of Dido. There is a lot of passion and raw emotion oozing out through Odi’s velvety vocals. Tears And Wine is a slightly more upbeat song with a gorgeous acoustic sound running through it. Once again the vocals are the highlight. Crawl has more of a rock/pop feel. This is a catchy song with a really strong sound. Leaving My Love In New York is an intoxicating song with rich heartfelt vocals. This song is moody and delicate again with a touch of Dido about it. SH
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Amy Barbera CD Review
Amy Barbera is a singer with a truly angelic voice. Her songs are both uplifting and inspirational. Her music is rich in emotion. Amy uses her voice to paint a rainbow of glorious sounds. Amy’s music appeals to listeners of many styles of music. Amy is a deeply religious person and this is highlighted throughout her work. Amy’s music transcends many musical genres from spiritual to easy listening, pop to healing and ambient to classical. Compared to acclaimed artists like Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand it is obvious that Amy is a force to be reckoned with. Her music envelops listeners in a blanket of hope, joy and love. Passion radiates from Amy’s heart and soul as she sings each line of her songs. Amy is an accomplished performer and works extremely hard raising money for many different charities. Throughout this album Amy’s vocals shine brightly and the backing music is evocative and has a slightly magical feel about it. Amy’s own musical influences include Sarah Brightman, Norah Jones, Lisa Gerrard, Josh Groban and Tori Amos.
Amy’s 2008 release Beautiful Flower Of Life features some really beautiful passion filled songs that ooze beauty, love, passion and honesty. The albums cover photo shows Amy surrounded by beautiful purple butterflies. A glorious cover shot that just echoes the beauty of Amy’s music and the album as a whole.
The first song on the album is called Let Me Cry Lord. This song runs for over five minutes, but it is worth every second. Amy’s vocals are delicate and vibrant, almost haunting at times. The backing music enhances the mood of the song. There are definite similarities here between Celine Dion and Amy. Amy sounds polished throughout the song.
God’s Special Angel is a glorious ballad, which showcases Amy’s wonderful vocals. Amy’s voice reminds me of a bird soaring high into the blue sky. Amy’s songs and vocals would not seem out of place in a musical on Broadway.
We Will Fly is a delightful slow song. Once again Amy’s voice is the star of the show. Her vocals are mesmerising and a real joy to listen to.
Your Love Is So Real is a slightly heavier song. Amy’s vocals seem to gain an extra bit of power, her delicateness is gone replaced by purpose. Amy definitely wants to get her message across and that she certainly does with this catchy anthemic song.
Make Me A Butterfly is a lyrical gem. Listen to the words and soak up the magical lyrics. Amy’s words are powerful and uplifting. This song is one of the highlights of the album and worth listening to time and time again. There is a really spiritual feel about this number. I dare listeners not to fall head over heels in love with this beautiful song. The backing music is gentle at first reminding me of water running wild and free. As the song progresses the backing music becomes more prominent but it never overshadows Amy’s vocals.
One Day sees Amy in a gentler more thoughtful mood. Amy’s vocals are soft and wispy on this rather charming song.
Flowers In My Garden is more of an upbeat song. This song has a more modern pop feel.
Broken Father is another spiritually uplifting song. Amy’s vocals are light and airy. The backing music is pronounced giving this song a slightly heavier feel.
I Had A Dream has a strong classical feel. Amy’s voice shines on this number, which seems to blend several musical styles together. The end result is a beautiful and haunting song. Here again it is well worth listening to the lyrics.
I Need You is a strong uplifting song. Amy comes into her own on this song. Her vocals are invigorating, always inviting listeners to hear more.
Cries For Peace is another song that sounds like it belongs in a stage show. Amy’s voice is once again powerful as she tries to get her message across. The backing music is dramatic giving the feel of people marching in time.
Electric Church is a fast modern song with a catchy beat. This song is lively making you want to get up and dance. There are touches of Gloria Estefan here within Amy’s vocals.
The final song on the album is called The Healing Song. This is another slow song with a truly uplifting feel. Amy’s vocals are once again the highlight of this spiritual song.
At the end of this album listeners will feel cleansed and rejuvenated. The music and Amy’s shinning vocals take listeners on a journey that reignites their soul and kick starts their passion for life and living once more.
Amy’s 2008 release Beautiful Flower Of Life features some really beautiful passion filled songs that ooze beauty, love, passion and honesty. The albums cover photo shows Amy surrounded by beautiful purple butterflies. A glorious cover shot that just echoes the beauty of Amy’s music and the album as a whole.
The first song on the album is called Let Me Cry Lord. This song runs for over five minutes, but it is worth every second. Amy’s vocals are delicate and vibrant, almost haunting at times. The backing music enhances the mood of the song. There are definite similarities here between Celine Dion and Amy. Amy sounds polished throughout the song.
God’s Special Angel is a glorious ballad, which showcases Amy’s wonderful vocals. Amy’s voice reminds me of a bird soaring high into the blue sky. Amy’s songs and vocals would not seem out of place in a musical on Broadway.
We Will Fly is a delightful slow song. Once again Amy’s voice is the star of the show. Her vocals are mesmerising and a real joy to listen to.
Your Love Is So Real is a slightly heavier song. Amy’s vocals seem to gain an extra bit of power, her delicateness is gone replaced by purpose. Amy definitely wants to get her message across and that she certainly does with this catchy anthemic song.
Make Me A Butterfly is a lyrical gem. Listen to the words and soak up the magical lyrics. Amy’s words are powerful and uplifting. This song is one of the highlights of the album and worth listening to time and time again. There is a really spiritual feel about this number. I dare listeners not to fall head over heels in love with this beautiful song. The backing music is gentle at first reminding me of water running wild and free. As the song progresses the backing music becomes more prominent but it never overshadows Amy’s vocals.
One Day sees Amy in a gentler more thoughtful mood. Amy’s vocals are soft and wispy on this rather charming song.
Flowers In My Garden is more of an upbeat song. This song has a more modern pop feel.
Broken Father is another spiritually uplifting song. Amy’s vocals are light and airy. The backing music is pronounced giving this song a slightly heavier feel.
I Had A Dream has a strong classical feel. Amy’s voice shines on this number, which seems to blend several musical styles together. The end result is a beautiful and haunting song. Here again it is well worth listening to the lyrics.
I Need You is a strong uplifting song. Amy comes into her own on this song. Her vocals are invigorating, always inviting listeners to hear more.
Cries For Peace is another song that sounds like it belongs in a stage show. Amy’s voice is once again powerful as she tries to get her message across. The backing music is dramatic giving the feel of people marching in time.
Electric Church is a fast modern song with a catchy beat. This song is lively making you want to get up and dance. There are touches of Gloria Estefan here within Amy’s vocals.
The final song on the album is called The Healing Song. This is another slow song with a truly uplifting feel. Amy’s vocals are once again the highlight of this spiritual song.
At the end of this album listeners will feel cleansed and rejuvenated. The music and Amy’s shinning vocals take listeners on a journey that reignites their soul and kick starts their passion for life and living once more.
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