Amazingly strong songs from this young singer/song writer
Sidney Thompson is an exciting new artist with an amazing voice. Sidney’s vocals make her sound a lot older than her tender teenage years. They are soulful and intelligent, enigmatic and charming. Sidney wrote all of the songs on her debut album, which is full of intensity and passion. This album is made all the more remarkable by the fact that Sidney only took up singing and song writing in the past couple of years. Sidney comes from McKinney, Texas and is already being touted at the next big thing in the world of music. The album starts off with a classy track called Just Anyone. This is a song about giving up your heart. Sidney’s vocals are raw and effortlessly blend country and soul together. Sidney’s style and sound is a mixture of Shelby Lynne on her more soulful country albums and Joss Stone in her early days. A slow song Just Anyone gives Sidney a chance to shine and show off her talents. Many listeners will be able to resonate with the lyrics of this song. Colors is heavier and more upbeat than the opening song. Sidney’s vocals are strong and clear. Dance is a delightful song with a strong summery feel carried through the vocals and into the background instrumentation. Hold On is a rockier song that would not sound out of place in the pop charts. Clocks has more of a country feel. Sidney’s vocals are once again engaging and pleasurable to listen to. Better Side Of You is a rockier song but Sidney’s vocals still retain their soulfulness. Watching is a stand out song vocally. Sidney’s vocals change with ease from delicate and soulful to rocky and upbeat. Broken Glass is the final song on the album. This song mixes pop and country together. A great final song packed with plenty of angst. All of the songs on this album are great and could easily be released as singles. Sidney’s vocal style will appeal to fans of both country and pop. Definitely one to watch!
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Blackheart Gig November 2010
After a highly successful and enjoyable tour of Australia and New Zealand Richard Pilkington and Chrissy Mostyn, otherwise known as the talented British duo Blackheart, returned home to continue their tour on familiar soil. Chrissy and Richard always get a good welcome when they play in Swindon at The Beehive. Before the gig started they chatted enthusiastically about their tour. The first set started with a new song that they wrote in Tasmania called Waiting For Light. This was an excellent song. The first set continued with Wonderland from their 2007 album release INDIGO, Unlike Water, which was used in a kitchen advert and Are You Coming Home from their INVISIBLE album. Richard enhanced the songs with his amazing guitar playing. Blackheart are hoping to record a new album in January 2011, which will include the new songs played for Swindon fans. The penultimate song of the first half was another new song called Don’t Throw It All Away, which was highly appreciated by the audience. The set ended with a bluegrass style song You Say, You Say. The second set started with the opening song from their INVISIBLE album Wednesday Afternoon followed by Thank God You Found Me, a nice song, from the same CD. Chrissy and Richard went on to perform a great version of 01204, which is the postcode of Richard’s home town. Two more new songs followed Here I Go Again and Hold Our Breath, which Chrissy told the gathered audience, was written in her kitchen. With Christmas fast approaching the duo performed Christmas Day In Dublin, which was written in Ireland. This is a lovely song just right for the time of year – well written and sung beautifully. Richard did some guitar numbers, which always go down well with fans. Lively and very entertaining it is always a treat to hear Richard playing the guitar. The evening was rounded off with two popular songs from their past albums 94 Years and Farewell. As always Richard and Chrissy put on a wonderful show. They are two really talented performers. All that remains is to wait eagerly for the release of their new CD.
Tanna Key - Wasting Paper
This is one of those albums that really makes you sit up and take notice
Seventeen year old Tanna Key is an up and coming singer/song writer who is just bursting with talent. Tanna’s debut album contains ten delightful songs that switch from up-tempo to emotional with ease. The opening and title song Wasting Paper is a lively up-tempo song. Tanna’s vocals are impressive and strong. Her voice is distinctive and although similarities between Tanna and Taylor Swift can be drawn, Tanna proves with little effort that she can stand on her own two feet and really belt out a song. Kiss Of The Sun is another modern up-tempo song with more of a country edge than the opening number. Incredible is a deliciously slow ballad. Tanna’s vocals are stunning on this glorious solid country song. Caught Up is another wonderful country offering. There are touches of an early Faith Hill if you listen closely. Shatter is a beautiful song. Tanna’s voice takes on an angelic tone for this slow pop sounding number. Stop Me is a modern country song about romance. The lyrics are catchy and cleverly constructed. Beautiful is an incredible slow modern country song. The whole of this album has a wonderful fresh feel to it. Each song is a real joy to listen to. One Tear In The Rain is a slow paced country/pop song. Tanna’s vocals give the song depth and plenty of emotion. Those Eyes is a classy modern up-tempo country song. This song is rousing and perhaps the heaviest song on the album. One Broken Heart Too Late brings the album to a close. Once again Tanna provides listeners with a breathtaking ballad that really makes you stop and listen. Tanna’s voice on this final number is crisp and clear. This is a high quality album with all ten songs deserving their place.
Seventeen year old Tanna Key is an up and coming singer/song writer who is just bursting with talent. Tanna’s debut album contains ten delightful songs that switch from up-tempo to emotional with ease. The opening and title song Wasting Paper is a lively up-tempo song. Tanna’s vocals are impressive and strong. Her voice is distinctive and although similarities between Tanna and Taylor Swift can be drawn, Tanna proves with little effort that she can stand on her own two feet and really belt out a song. Kiss Of The Sun is another modern up-tempo song with more of a country edge than the opening number. Incredible is a deliciously slow ballad. Tanna’s vocals are stunning on this glorious solid country song. Caught Up is another wonderful country offering. There are touches of an early Faith Hill if you listen closely. Shatter is a beautiful song. Tanna’s voice takes on an angelic tone for this slow pop sounding number. Stop Me is a modern country song about romance. The lyrics are catchy and cleverly constructed. Beautiful is an incredible slow modern country song. The whole of this album has a wonderful fresh feel to it. Each song is a real joy to listen to. One Tear In The Rain is a slow paced country/pop song. Tanna’s vocals give the song depth and plenty of emotion. Those Eyes is a classy modern up-tempo country song. This song is rousing and perhaps the heaviest song on the album. One Broken Heart Too Late brings the album to a close. Once again Tanna provides listeners with a breathtaking ballad that really makes you stop and listen. Tanna’s voice on this final number is crisp and clear. This is a high quality album with all ten songs deserving their place.
Art and Lisa - Healin Time
There are big things ahead for this talented duo!
Following the 2009 release of LEARNING TO BREATHE AGAIN, Art and Lisa return with a stunning new album featuring a classy collection of country/folk songs. The songs are packed full of sensitive lyrics and warming vocals that will literally take your breath away. HEALIN TIME is produced by John Inmon and is an album that transcends many different eras. John Inmon plays guitar on the album alongside Richard Bowden on fiddle. The lyrics throughout this album speak of sorrow, lost love, families torn apart and feelings of despair and disillusionment. The opening song on the album Steal The Heart features some wonderfully earthy vocals from Lisa. Her voice is tender yet raw. Art harmonises as the song progresses, his voice blending perfectly offering depth to the song. Long Gone sees Art taking the lead on vocals with Lisa harmonising. Art’s vocals are rootsy and organic in nature. There is a striking contrast between the pairs vocal style but it never detracts from the message the album is trying to project. This is an emotional album where words are important. Mama’s Prayers is more of a traditional country song. The fiddle is prominent on this up-beat song, where once again Lisa takes a turn on lead vocals. Healin’ Time is a much heavier country song. Lisa’s vocals are powerful, whilst Art’s are gruff and give the song character. Sands Of Lubbock sees Lisa in dazzling form. Her vocals are magical on this stand out number. This song oozes with emotion. Broken Without You (Briana's Song) is a traditional sounding country song. Instrumentation is important on this delicate number. Mother Of Pearl sees Art on lead vocals. Listen closely to the lyrics of this song – this is story telling at its very best! When Am I Gonna Learn is another charming country song with Lisa on lead vocals. Saint sees Art on lead vocals. His voice is captivating and quite haunting. The final song on the album was written by Walt Wilkins. Healing Waters is a charming song, which sees Lisa and Art harmonise wonderfully. This song brings the album to a natural conclusion. This album ticks all of the right boxes and will hopefully see Art and Lisa brought to the forefront of country music.
Following the 2009 release of LEARNING TO BREATHE AGAIN, Art and Lisa return with a stunning new album featuring a classy collection of country/folk songs. The songs are packed full of sensitive lyrics and warming vocals that will literally take your breath away. HEALIN TIME is produced by John Inmon and is an album that transcends many different eras. John Inmon plays guitar on the album alongside Richard Bowden on fiddle. The lyrics throughout this album speak of sorrow, lost love, families torn apart and feelings of despair and disillusionment. The opening song on the album Steal The Heart features some wonderfully earthy vocals from Lisa. Her voice is tender yet raw. Art harmonises as the song progresses, his voice blending perfectly offering depth to the song. Long Gone sees Art taking the lead on vocals with Lisa harmonising. Art’s vocals are rootsy and organic in nature. There is a striking contrast between the pairs vocal style but it never detracts from the message the album is trying to project. This is an emotional album where words are important. Mama’s Prayers is more of a traditional country song. The fiddle is prominent on this up-beat song, where once again Lisa takes a turn on lead vocals. Healin’ Time is a much heavier country song. Lisa’s vocals are powerful, whilst Art’s are gruff and give the song character. Sands Of Lubbock sees Lisa in dazzling form. Her vocals are magical on this stand out number. This song oozes with emotion. Broken Without You (Briana's Song) is a traditional sounding country song. Instrumentation is important on this delicate number. Mother Of Pearl sees Art on lead vocals. Listen closely to the lyrics of this song – this is story telling at its very best! When Am I Gonna Learn is another charming country song with Lisa on lead vocals. Saint sees Art on lead vocals. His voice is captivating and quite haunting. The final song on the album was written by Walt Wilkins. Healing Waters is a charming song, which sees Lisa and Art harmonise wonderfully. This song brings the album to a natural conclusion. This album ticks all of the right boxes and will hopefully see Art and Lisa brought to the forefront of country music.
Hannah Latone - A Million Emotions
Vocals take centre stage on this engaging debut album
Hannah Latone is a new name in the world of country music. Born and raised in Georgia Hannah’s music has been compared with the likes of modern country artists Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift as well as to more bluesy artists like Bonnie Rait. A MILLION EMOTIONS showcases Hannah’s stunning vocal talents as well as her writing talents with three songs on the album written by Hannah. Love Lockett kicks the album off; this is a heavy slightly rocky country song. Hannah’s vocals are strong and engaging on this rousing opening number. You Won’t is a pop/country song written by Hannah. There are definite hints of Taylor Swift here. This song has future hit written all over it. Hannah’s confident vocals will appeal to listeners of all ages and genres of music. Is It Raining is a slow modern country number. Hannah’s vocals on this song have a real edge to them. You’re No Good sees the pace pick up once again. This song will sound familiar to many music fans. With bluesy overtones I am reminded here of Linda Ronstadt’s version of this classic song, which charted in 1975. Next Dream Goin’ By is a lovely modern country song. Hannah’s vocals are tender and full of passion. God And His Guitar is a catchy up-beat country song, which is very pleasing on the ear. Ruby Shoes (Click My Heels) is a great slow country number. Hannah sounds at her best on this striking song, which is for me the real highlight of the whole album. Tears Only Run One Way is a modern country/pop song. This song has a lot of potential due to its catchy hook. A Million Emotions is the title song and was once again written by Hannah. Hannah sounds raw and fresh on this up-beat country song. Baby That’s The Way is a lovely slow ballad that allows Hannah to shine once more. This song is beautiful and Hannah’s vocals really bring the song to life. This album gives listeners a chance to enjoy some lovely slow paced country songs as well as some more predictable up-beat country/pop songs. Hannah’s vocals are the star here, shining throughout the album on each and every song.
Hannah Latone is a new name in the world of country music. Born and raised in Georgia Hannah’s music has been compared with the likes of modern country artists Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift as well as to more bluesy artists like Bonnie Rait. A MILLION EMOTIONS showcases Hannah’s stunning vocal talents as well as her writing talents with three songs on the album written by Hannah. Love Lockett kicks the album off; this is a heavy slightly rocky country song. Hannah’s vocals are strong and engaging on this rousing opening number. You Won’t is a pop/country song written by Hannah. There are definite hints of Taylor Swift here. This song has future hit written all over it. Hannah’s confident vocals will appeal to listeners of all ages and genres of music. Is It Raining is a slow modern country number. Hannah’s vocals on this song have a real edge to them. You’re No Good sees the pace pick up once again. This song will sound familiar to many music fans. With bluesy overtones I am reminded here of Linda Ronstadt’s version of this classic song, which charted in 1975. Next Dream Goin’ By is a lovely modern country song. Hannah’s vocals are tender and full of passion. God And His Guitar is a catchy up-beat country song, which is very pleasing on the ear. Ruby Shoes (Click My Heels) is a great slow country number. Hannah sounds at her best on this striking song, which is for me the real highlight of the whole album. Tears Only Run One Way is a modern country/pop song. This song has a lot of potential due to its catchy hook. A Million Emotions is the title song and was once again written by Hannah. Hannah sounds raw and fresh on this up-beat country song. Baby That’s The Way is a lovely slow ballad that allows Hannah to shine once more. This song is beautiful and Hannah’s vocals really bring the song to life. This album gives listeners a chance to enjoy some lovely slow paced country songs as well as some more predictable up-beat country/pop songs. Hannah’s vocals are the star here, shining throughout the album on each and every song.
Amber Lee And The Anomalies - Indelible
Fun songs with great music and wonderful vocals bring this high octane album to life
INDELIBLE is a delightful album that fuses together folk, Americana and a dash of pop. This album isn’t for the faint hearted but lovers of something that little bit different who will love the quirky songs featured on this album along with the odd array of instruments used to bring each song to life. The accordion takes centre stage on this album giving all of the songs a unique sound and style. It is the mission of Amber Lee Baker to make the accordion more popular and to show that it can be a sexy instrument. This new album from Amber features a full band that play drums, bass, cello, harp, brass and woodwind instruments as well as the guitar. Amber’s debut album ESTUARIES was released in 2008 since then Amber has spent her time touring, often as a one woman show, and promoting the accordion. The album starts off with Accordions Are Leading The Show, an up-beat catchy song, which sounds kind of crazy on the ear but in a good way. Amber’s vocals are reminiscent of Rosanne Cash, although they have very differing styles of music. The lyrics are fun, the music refreshing and Amber’s vocals captivating. Waltzing Just By Holding Hands is a slow song featuring an array of musical instruments. This song is about getting old and becoming too old to dance. This is a lovely country/folk song with heartfelt lyrics. Alpha sees the accordion take centre stage. Amber’s vocals really stand out above the music and make you want to listen closely to the lyrics of the song. I Should Know Better is a catchy up-tempo song where once again Amber sounds a lot like Rosanne Cash vocally. Caught In Your Tune is a slow quirky song with instrumentation that really gets under your skin. Crocuses is a folk song with a dramatic feel. The mood is a lot darker on this number bringing to mind Kate Rusby or Bill Jones. You Smile And I Melt sees the mood lighten again. This is a jolly song where the instrumentation takes centre stage. At times it feels like Amber has picked up every instrument available and thrown them all into the mixing pot. This is not a bad thing – far from it. The First Pancake Polka is a catchy song about pancakes. Some might cringe at the kookiness’ of this song but others will laugh and sing along. The album ends with two instrumentals. The first is Accordions Are Leading The Show, the second Waltzing By Just Holding Hands. Both sound striking and well worth adding onto the end of the album. Listening to the instrumental version of Waltzing By Just Holding Hands is just like listening to a films soundtrack. The music is breathtaking and so emotive. A real high note to end the album on.
INDELIBLE is a delightful album that fuses together folk, Americana and a dash of pop. This album isn’t for the faint hearted but lovers of something that little bit different who will love the quirky songs featured on this album along with the odd array of instruments used to bring each song to life. The accordion takes centre stage on this album giving all of the songs a unique sound and style. It is the mission of Amber Lee Baker to make the accordion more popular and to show that it can be a sexy instrument. This new album from Amber features a full band that play drums, bass, cello, harp, brass and woodwind instruments as well as the guitar. Amber’s debut album ESTUARIES was released in 2008 since then Amber has spent her time touring, often as a one woman show, and promoting the accordion. The album starts off with Accordions Are Leading The Show, an up-beat catchy song, which sounds kind of crazy on the ear but in a good way. Amber’s vocals are reminiscent of Rosanne Cash, although they have very differing styles of music. The lyrics are fun, the music refreshing and Amber’s vocals captivating. Waltzing Just By Holding Hands is a slow song featuring an array of musical instruments. This song is about getting old and becoming too old to dance. This is a lovely country/folk song with heartfelt lyrics. Alpha sees the accordion take centre stage. Amber’s vocals really stand out above the music and make you want to listen closely to the lyrics of the song. I Should Know Better is a catchy up-tempo song where once again Amber sounds a lot like Rosanne Cash vocally. Caught In Your Tune is a slow quirky song with instrumentation that really gets under your skin. Crocuses is a folk song with a dramatic feel. The mood is a lot darker on this number bringing to mind Kate Rusby or Bill Jones. You Smile And I Melt sees the mood lighten again. This is a jolly song where the instrumentation takes centre stage. At times it feels like Amber has picked up every instrument available and thrown them all into the mixing pot. This is not a bad thing – far from it. The First Pancake Polka is a catchy song about pancakes. Some might cringe at the kookiness’ of this song but others will laugh and sing along. The album ends with two instrumentals. The first is Accordions Are Leading The Show, the second Waltzing By Just Holding Hands. Both sound striking and well worth adding onto the end of the album. Listening to the instrumental version of Waltzing By Just Holding Hands is just like listening to a films soundtrack. The music is breathtaking and so emotive. A real high note to end the album on.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Tara Craig CD Review
Poetic lyrics and amazing vocals bring this album to life
Tara Craig is an amazingly talented singer/songwriter. Tara burst onto the Austin music scene in 2007. Her vocal skills mesmerised audiences and her lyrics cut straight to the chase. Tara’s songs speak of love, longing and freedom. Effortlessly Tara can sing a bold song with meaningful lyrics one minute and a gentle love song the next. Her songs are filled with poetic lyrics that are organic and grow on listeners like a plant encased in soil waiting to burst into the light. Tara has been influenced musically by major artists such as Patty Griffin, Joni Mitchell and Fiona Apple. Her music is also influenced by books, the world and what is going on around her and society as a whole. Tara’s songs are inspirational and have a life all of their own. AS THE LEAVES WERE CHANGING features eleven original songs that blend many musical genres together. The album begins with Until Our Voices Give Out a pop/modern folk song. Tara’s vocals are filled with passion and enthusiasm. The instrumentation never intrudes on Tara’s vocals. Resolution has more of a country feel. Tara’s vocals sound raw and instantly reel you in for a closer listen. Broadway is a delicate song. Tara’s vocals are almost angelic and earthy; the overall sound is very wholesome. City Of Sorrows is definitely a stand out song. This song has a very dramatic feel about it echoed in the instrumentation and Tara’s vocal style. Be Thou My Vision has an alt-country/modern folk feel. Tara’s vocals seem a little hushed on this song giving it added atmosphere. The Worry Song has some interesting lyrics and a really strong country vibe. Wish On You is a slow delicate song. This is a lovely song worthy of several plays. Tara’s vocals seem lighter and more alive/free. Letters And Photographs and Wishful Thinking are both great songs with outstanding glorious lyrics. Listening to this album is a bit like reading a really emotional and well written book. This is song writing of the highest quality. This Weight really allows Tara’s vocal talents to shine. Here her voice is both gravely and earthy. Letting Go is the final song on the album. This is another slow song with limited backing. Tara’s vocals enhance this stunning final song giving it added depth. This is an album of pure class – outstanding lyrics perfectly brought to life by Tara’s charismatic vocals.
Tara Craig is an amazingly talented singer/songwriter. Tara burst onto the Austin music scene in 2007. Her vocal skills mesmerised audiences and her lyrics cut straight to the chase. Tara’s songs speak of love, longing and freedom. Effortlessly Tara can sing a bold song with meaningful lyrics one minute and a gentle love song the next. Her songs are filled with poetic lyrics that are organic and grow on listeners like a plant encased in soil waiting to burst into the light. Tara has been influenced musically by major artists such as Patty Griffin, Joni Mitchell and Fiona Apple. Her music is also influenced by books, the world and what is going on around her and society as a whole. Tara’s songs are inspirational and have a life all of their own. AS THE LEAVES WERE CHANGING features eleven original songs that blend many musical genres together. The album begins with Until Our Voices Give Out a pop/modern folk song. Tara’s vocals are filled with passion and enthusiasm. The instrumentation never intrudes on Tara’s vocals. Resolution has more of a country feel. Tara’s vocals sound raw and instantly reel you in for a closer listen. Broadway is a delicate song. Tara’s vocals are almost angelic and earthy; the overall sound is very wholesome. City Of Sorrows is definitely a stand out song. This song has a very dramatic feel about it echoed in the instrumentation and Tara’s vocal style. Be Thou My Vision has an alt-country/modern folk feel. Tara’s vocals seem a little hushed on this song giving it added atmosphere. The Worry Song has some interesting lyrics and a really strong country vibe. Wish On You is a slow delicate song. This is a lovely song worthy of several plays. Tara’s vocals seem lighter and more alive/free. Letters And Photographs and Wishful Thinking are both great songs with outstanding glorious lyrics. Listening to this album is a bit like reading a really emotional and well written book. This is song writing of the highest quality. This Weight really allows Tara’s vocal talents to shine. Here her voice is both gravely and earthy. Letting Go is the final song on the album. This is another slow song with limited backing. Tara’s vocals enhance this stunning final song giving it added depth. This is an album of pure class – outstanding lyrics perfectly brought to life by Tara’s charismatic vocals.
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