An emotional rollercoaster ride through the darkness and into the light
If you like alternative folk then you will adore the new album from singer/songwriter Kristen Leigh. Her music mixes many styles and genres together whilst blending together lyrics that cover a whole range of emotions. The album has a distinct rawness about it and flicks between ballads to rockier folk numbers with effortless ease. Influenced by traditional folk artists as well as Patty Griffin, Tori Amos and Bob Dylan, it is easy to see how these artists have affected Kristen’s music. MAKING FRIENDS WITH GHOSTS is Kristen’s third album, all of which have been independently recorded. This album features a whole range of instrumentation from the piano to the accordion and the flute to a medieval harpsichord. The premise for this new album is about coming to terms with the past and dealing with the emotions and experiences that have caused hurt, sadness and longing along the way. The album goes through patches of light as well as patches of darkness. Some of the songs are very introspective whilst others are light and less emotional. After a short introduction Kristen bursts to life with the song Remember Who You Are. This is quite a heavy, dark song with haunting vocals. Kristen’s vocals are intoxicating and her carefully crafted lyrics are also well worth a listen. The Space In The Distance has a slightly more up-beat feel but once again this is quite a dark introspective song. A short piano interlude breaks up the gloom and gives listeners a breather from the intense lyrics of the opening two songs. Going All In sees the intense mood resume. Kristen’s vocals are distinct and full of depth and emotion. Stouffer Chemical Company has a real alt-country feel. Sunday Afternoon is another song with a strong dash of alt-country perhaps in the style of Lucy Kaplansky. Kristen’s vocals are gentle almost subdued. Little Star (The Lullaby) is a softer number, which allows Kristen’s vocals to really shine. Day Off is a catchy quirky song. The beat is up-tempo and the mood light. Right Where I Am is another lyrically strong song about life. Sacred Heart is a striking ballad with some lovely instrumentation. This song is very atmospheric and stands out as one of the highlights of the album. California (If You Go) is a slow song with gentle musical backing. Weathering The Storm and Gratitude are songs about redemption and fall at the end of the album. This album is like a personal journey through the medium of song and music. Both of these songs are anthemic and have a slight rock vibe. There is a lot of darkness seeping through the songs and lyrics contained on this glorious album but the music and vocals are of such a high quality that you will want to listen to the album over and over again.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Heather Marie Song Review
Heather Marie is a talented 40’s and 50’s tribute/war time singer. Her voice is sensual, evocative and quite magical. Her vocal talents really suit the songs of the 1940’s and 50’s that she chooses to sing. Listening to her voice you are instantly carried back through time to an era long gone by.
Heather Marie sweeps listeners along with her stunning looks, graceful demeanour and passion filled voice. Hearing one song is never enough.
She has performed throughout the North West, dazzling audiences with her on stage presence, which is perfectly in-keeping with the era she represents.
Heather Marie has been influenced by some of the top singers of the 40’s and 50’s like Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, Dame Vera Lynn and Connie Frances.
Not only can Heather Marie sing like an angel she also looks like one modelling fashions from the period with ease whilst up on stage giving a knock out performance. She can carry off a slow sophisticated song as well as more fun rock ‘n’ roll songs with an up-beat tempo.
Heather Marie can often be found performing at private parties, clubs, weddings and World War 2 dances. She also tours the UK under her own name with her own musical show.
I’ll Be Seeing You – Heather Marie brings this song to life with ease. Her vocals are natural and quite astounding. She really does sound like an angel! Listening to Heather Marie is like putting on an old vinyl album from the 40’s/50’s. She allows the songs she sings to remain old fashioned and in-keeping with the period. Her vocals are clear and crisp yet they still retain their old fashioned charm. This particular song really suits Heather Marie’s vocals. This is a slow and melancholy song that is brought to life by a shinning vocal performance.
Winter Wonderland – Heather Marie performs this Christmas classic effortlessly. Her vocals are up-beat and classy. Heather Marie mixes in a dash of jazz to bring the song to life. Although a Christmas song when you listen to Heather Marie performing this timeless classic you would be more than happy to hear it all year round.
That Old Devil Called Love – This is a classic song that has been covered by many different artists over the years. Heather Marie puts her own stamp on this slow jazz infused song. Her voice is light and breezy giving the song a fresh feel. Heather Marie’s voice really suits this style of song. Heather Marie is able to bring the song to life with her vocal tone, emotion and personal charisma.
Rocking Around The Christmas Tree – Heather Marie really brings this up-beat Christmas song to life with her bubbly vocals. Listeners will want to get up and dance upon hearing this popular Christmas song. Once again Heather Marie’s vocals are clear and crisp. Personally Heather Marie’s version of this song is the best I have ever heard.
When You Wish Upon A Star – Heather Marie sings this classic song with plenty of class and style. Her sultry, sexy vocals really give this song depth and character. Listening to this song you could easily think you were lying on a green lawn somewhere chilling in the sun. Heather Marie never over emphasises the lyrics, she just lets them take their natural path. Her vocals never over shadow the backing music, allowing listeners to really think they have gone back in time.
Overall it is a real joy to hear Heather Marie performing songs of the past without spoiling them or changing them too much.
http://heathermarie.co.uk
Heather Marie sweeps listeners along with her stunning looks, graceful demeanour and passion filled voice. Hearing one song is never enough.
She has performed throughout the North West, dazzling audiences with her on stage presence, which is perfectly in-keeping with the era she represents.
Heather Marie has been influenced by some of the top singers of the 40’s and 50’s like Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, Dame Vera Lynn and Connie Frances.
Not only can Heather Marie sing like an angel she also looks like one modelling fashions from the period with ease whilst up on stage giving a knock out performance. She can carry off a slow sophisticated song as well as more fun rock ‘n’ roll songs with an up-beat tempo.
Heather Marie can often be found performing at private parties, clubs, weddings and World War 2 dances. She also tours the UK under her own name with her own musical show.
I’ll Be Seeing You – Heather Marie brings this song to life with ease. Her vocals are natural and quite astounding. She really does sound like an angel! Listening to Heather Marie is like putting on an old vinyl album from the 40’s/50’s. She allows the songs she sings to remain old fashioned and in-keeping with the period. Her vocals are clear and crisp yet they still retain their old fashioned charm. This particular song really suits Heather Marie’s vocals. This is a slow and melancholy song that is brought to life by a shinning vocal performance.
Winter Wonderland – Heather Marie performs this Christmas classic effortlessly. Her vocals are up-beat and classy. Heather Marie mixes in a dash of jazz to bring the song to life. Although a Christmas song when you listen to Heather Marie performing this timeless classic you would be more than happy to hear it all year round.
That Old Devil Called Love – This is a classic song that has been covered by many different artists over the years. Heather Marie puts her own stamp on this slow jazz infused song. Her voice is light and breezy giving the song a fresh feel. Heather Marie’s voice really suits this style of song. Heather Marie is able to bring the song to life with her vocal tone, emotion and personal charisma.
Rocking Around The Christmas Tree – Heather Marie really brings this up-beat Christmas song to life with her bubbly vocals. Listeners will want to get up and dance upon hearing this popular Christmas song. Once again Heather Marie’s vocals are clear and crisp. Personally Heather Marie’s version of this song is the best I have ever heard.
When You Wish Upon A Star – Heather Marie sings this classic song with plenty of class and style. Her sultry, sexy vocals really give this song depth and character. Listening to this song you could easily think you were lying on a green lawn somewhere chilling in the sun. Heather Marie never over emphasises the lyrics, she just lets them take their natural path. Her vocals never over shadow the backing music, allowing listeners to really think they have gone back in time.
Overall it is a real joy to hear Heather Marie performing songs of the past without spoiling them or changing them too much.
http://heathermarie.co.uk
Lucy - Spirit Man
A truly magical experience is offered here
SPIRIT MAN is a four track EP from up and coming singer/songwriter Lucy. Lucy’s vocals are warming and extremely pleasant on the ear. Her music transcends many genres including folk, alt-country and pop. Lucy’s songs sound mature and sophisticated. They have a dreamy almost relaxing quality, with quite an enchanting sound. The first song on the EP is the title track Spirit Man. Lucy’s wonderful vocals will instantly engage listeners. They are tender and quite joyful to listen to. This song has a really haunting sound. There is a great deal of atmosphere being projected here through the backing instrumentation and Lucy’s vocals. Spirit Man has a strong pop feel intertwined with a big helping of folk. Muse is a highly polished pop/folk song. This song appears to have a life all of its own. The music has a magical quality and once again Lucy’s vocals are engaging and infectious. Oregon Rain has more of a folk/alt-country sound. Lucy’s vocals are special there is no doubt about that. This is a slow paced song again packed with tons of atmosphere. Time Has Spoken is a dramatic song, which blends traditional folk with classical music. The end result is something quite amazing and really worth a close listen. The four songs on this EP are all magnificent but being so short the experience ends before it has really begun and believe me this is an experience. Let’s hope it isn’t too long before Lucy releases a full length album.
SPIRIT MAN is a four track EP from up and coming singer/songwriter Lucy. Lucy’s vocals are warming and extremely pleasant on the ear. Her music transcends many genres including folk, alt-country and pop. Lucy’s songs sound mature and sophisticated. They have a dreamy almost relaxing quality, with quite an enchanting sound. The first song on the EP is the title track Spirit Man. Lucy’s wonderful vocals will instantly engage listeners. They are tender and quite joyful to listen to. This song has a really haunting sound. There is a great deal of atmosphere being projected here through the backing instrumentation and Lucy’s vocals. Spirit Man has a strong pop feel intertwined with a big helping of folk. Muse is a highly polished pop/folk song. This song appears to have a life all of its own. The music has a magical quality and once again Lucy’s vocals are engaging and infectious. Oregon Rain has more of a folk/alt-country sound. Lucy’s vocals are special there is no doubt about that. This is a slow paced song again packed with tons of atmosphere. Time Has Spoken is a dramatic song, which blends traditional folk with classical music. The end result is something quite amazing and really worth a close listen. The four songs on this EP are all magnificent but being so short the experience ends before it has really begun and believe me this is an experience. Let’s hope it isn’t too long before Lucy releases a full length album.
Diana Johnstone Gig Review
Diana Johnstone’s new album THE TROUBLED HEART was reviewed in the March issue of Maverick. The album was praised and as a result I was keen to see her perform live. Upon hearing that Diana was playing a gig at The Beehive in Swindon I was eager to see her in the flesh and hear her perform songs from her new album and her previously released album LEARNING TO WALK. I was not to be disappointed. Diana Johnstone is a talented singer/songwriter with a gentle warming voice. She performed on her own for the majority of the show; however on two songs she was joined by David Wells on guitar. Diana started the evening off with If I Were A Bird from her LEARNING TO WALK CD. This is a very atmospheric folk song, which gave Diana the chance to really show off her wonderful vocals. She went on to sing a lovely song called Phone Box In The Rain from her latest album. Diana played the guitar throughout the evening. Although the audience was small in numbers those who had gathered to see Diana play live really appreciated her style of music and her delightful songs. In-between the songs Diana talked about the stories behind the songs. She also spent time talking about her love of the little fishing villages around Plymouth in Devon where she was born. The first half of the evening came to an end with Little Light a country/folk song from LEARNING TO WALK. Diana spent the break chatting to the people who had come to see her play. The second half of the evening began with This Wave, which is another lovely song. Diana writes all of her own songs. Diana performed an excellent version of Tired Of The Blues and The Turning Of The Tide. Turning Of The Tide is a great folk song with some typically traditional lyrics. As with all good things, they must come to an end. After lots of applause Diana finished the evening off with another great song from her latest CD called All My Love’s In Vain. I think Diana certainly saved the best till last as this was a really special song to end the evening on. I for one went home having had an excellent evening filled with some really lovely music.
Samantha Darnell Songs
Samantha Darnell is an up and coming young singer/songwriter with bags of talent and an amazing voice. Music has been in Samantha’s blood from a very early age. Samantha’s voice is fresh and interesting on the ear. Her songs have depth and body. Butterflies Don’t Lie is an upbeat song with a rocky edge. This song has a catchy hook that will soon have listeners singing a long with the lyrics. The lyrics are cleverly constructed and definitely worth a close listen. Samantha’s vocals are edgy and quite intoxicating. This song has the makings of a top pop/rock single that will appeal to fans of artists such as Pink and Gwen Stefani. I could easily listen to this song over and over again as the more you hear it the better it gets. Don’t Say You Love Me is a slightly heavier song. Samantha’s vocals instantly bring to mind Gwen Stefani, but a younger, fresher version. Samantha doesn’t copy any one persons musical style, her music is distinctly her own. Once again this song has a lot of depth and character, this shows in the lyrics and the drama Samantha effortlessly brings to life through her varying vocal range. Summer Boys has a really catchy musical introduction. This song definitely has a rock feel to it tinged with pop. Another catchy song that needs more than one listen. Samantha creates a lot of atmosphere with her delightful vocals, which switch between delicate and charming to rowdy and rocky with infinite ease. Samantha’s music is a real delight to listen to and these three songs just leave me so eager to hear more, much, much more.
Gini Woolfolk - In The Springtime
Sometimes an album makes you really stop and listen – this is one such album
Gini Woolfolk’s new album IN THE SPRINGTIME brings together a really earthy traditional blend of country/folk. There are definite hints of Emmylou Harris in Gini’s vocal style. Talented musicians like Dan Davidson and Jon White bring this album to life and give it plenty of atmosphere and charm. The instrumentation is varied with everything from the guitar to the Dobro being featured. Cold, Hard Facts Of Love gets the album off to a flying start. Gini’s vocals are refreshing in sound, sounding modern yet thoroughly old-fashioned at the same time. This is an upbeat opening song that moves a long at a fast pace. The Water’s Edge is a slower song with a strong folk vibe running through it. Up The Mountain is a quality traditional country/bluegrass song. The instrumentation on this song really brings it to life and transports the listener to a different era. When The Ice Melts is a lovely song and definitely one of the highlights of this glorious album. Gini’s vocals have a slightly more modern feel on this particular number. You’re Beautiful is a heavier song with a strong modern folk feel. Gini’s vocals are deeper and less traditional in style. Lovebugs is a fast paced jolly song with an old-fashioned feel. The Hardest Part sees the mood slow a little. The instrumentation slips well and truly into the background on this song allowing Gini’s wonderful vocals to really shine. Three Bullets is a catchy folk/country song. This is a fast paced song, which reminds me of Mary Black and Seth Lakeman. If you like songs that tell a story then you will love this song. The title song In The Springtime is a charming country song. Gini’s vocals are rich and delightful. This song certainly deserves its place on the album. The final song comes all too soon. This is one of those albums you find yourself never wanting to end. Wild Mountain Thyme is Gini’s take on the popular Scottish folk song Will Ye Go, Lassie Go. Gini brings this song to life with her wonderful vocals. She certainly puts her own stamp on this song, giving it a lovely upbeat feel. It is hard not to fall in love with this album. It is just packed full of amazing songs about everything from love to loss and anger to hopefulness. There is so much energy contained in these songs. This album will appeal to fans of traditional country, modern country and folk that transcends modern and more traditional genres.
Gini Woolfolk’s new album IN THE SPRINGTIME brings together a really earthy traditional blend of country/folk. There are definite hints of Emmylou Harris in Gini’s vocal style. Talented musicians like Dan Davidson and Jon White bring this album to life and give it plenty of atmosphere and charm. The instrumentation is varied with everything from the guitar to the Dobro being featured. Cold, Hard Facts Of Love gets the album off to a flying start. Gini’s vocals are refreshing in sound, sounding modern yet thoroughly old-fashioned at the same time. This is an upbeat opening song that moves a long at a fast pace. The Water’s Edge is a slower song with a strong folk vibe running through it. Up The Mountain is a quality traditional country/bluegrass song. The instrumentation on this song really brings it to life and transports the listener to a different era. When The Ice Melts is a lovely song and definitely one of the highlights of this glorious album. Gini’s vocals have a slightly more modern feel on this particular number. You’re Beautiful is a heavier song with a strong modern folk feel. Gini’s vocals are deeper and less traditional in style. Lovebugs is a fast paced jolly song with an old-fashioned feel. The Hardest Part sees the mood slow a little. The instrumentation slips well and truly into the background on this song allowing Gini’s wonderful vocals to really shine. Three Bullets is a catchy folk/country song. This is a fast paced song, which reminds me of Mary Black and Seth Lakeman. If you like songs that tell a story then you will love this song. The title song In The Springtime is a charming country song. Gini’s vocals are rich and delightful. This song certainly deserves its place on the album. The final song comes all too soon. This is one of those albums you find yourself never wanting to end. Wild Mountain Thyme is Gini’s take on the popular Scottish folk song Will Ye Go, Lassie Go. Gini brings this song to life with her wonderful vocals. She certainly puts her own stamp on this song, giving it a lovely upbeat feel. It is hard not to fall in love with this album. It is just packed full of amazing songs about everything from love to loss and anger to hopefulness. There is so much energy contained in these songs. This album will appeal to fans of traditional country, modern country and folk that transcends modern and more traditional genres.
Doug Bruce - A Good Place
A nice mix of ballads and faster paced country songs
Doug Bruce is a Texas born singer/songwriter who now lives in Bendigo, Australia with his Australian wife and child. Doug’s blend of country music has already seen him receive some high praise as well as several awards. Doug has been performing on stage for many years as a drummer and backing singer but it is only in more recent years that he has taken centre stage and showed the whole world what a wonderful wholesome country singer he is. Doug’s album A GOOD PLACE is packed full of country songs that will appeal to fans of more modern country. Doug wrote six songs on the album. The album gets started with Good Place For Love, which Doug co-wrote with Bill Shore. Doug has a lovely country voice that is reminiscent in style of artists such as Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley. This is quite an upbeat song, catchy and easy on the ear. The Bed You Lied In has a more modern feel. This is a top quality country song in the style of Brooks and Dunn. This song has the potential to be a great single. Museum Of Love is a faster punchy song definitely more suited to fans of rocky rowdy country. Don’t Let Me Stay Too Long is a slow ballad. Doug’s vocals are quite stunning on this beautiful song. Having What You Want is another high quality country song with a Brooks and Dunn feel about it. Honky Tonk Shoes instantly reminds me of Alan Jackson crossed with Toby Keith. This song is what some might call a typical country song – fast paced and quirky. Man In The Mirror is an amazing slow ballad in the style of George Strait. The lyrics are well worth a close listen as this is a really expressive emotional song. Sweet has more of a rocky feel. Coffey Road is a beautiful slow song. The lyrics give this song plenty of atmosphere. Lost Weekend is a thoroughly modern country song once again in the style of Alan Jackson. Hey Mister sees the mood slow to almost a stop. This is most definitely the icing on the cake as far as this album is concerned. This is a lovely slow song crammed full of emotion. Doug’s vocals really bring this song to life. The Gang’s All Here is another typical country song done well. The album ends on a high with another amazing song called Close Enough. This is a classy more old style song. This album has a song for everyone.
Doug Bruce is a Texas born singer/songwriter who now lives in Bendigo, Australia with his Australian wife and child. Doug’s blend of country music has already seen him receive some high praise as well as several awards. Doug has been performing on stage for many years as a drummer and backing singer but it is only in more recent years that he has taken centre stage and showed the whole world what a wonderful wholesome country singer he is. Doug’s album A GOOD PLACE is packed full of country songs that will appeal to fans of more modern country. Doug wrote six songs on the album. The album gets started with Good Place For Love, which Doug co-wrote with Bill Shore. Doug has a lovely country voice that is reminiscent in style of artists such as Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley. This is quite an upbeat song, catchy and easy on the ear. The Bed You Lied In has a more modern feel. This is a top quality country song in the style of Brooks and Dunn. This song has the potential to be a great single. Museum Of Love is a faster punchy song definitely more suited to fans of rocky rowdy country. Don’t Let Me Stay Too Long is a slow ballad. Doug’s vocals are quite stunning on this beautiful song. Having What You Want is another high quality country song with a Brooks and Dunn feel about it. Honky Tonk Shoes instantly reminds me of Alan Jackson crossed with Toby Keith. This song is what some might call a typical country song – fast paced and quirky. Man In The Mirror is an amazing slow ballad in the style of George Strait. The lyrics are well worth a close listen as this is a really expressive emotional song. Sweet has more of a rocky feel. Coffey Road is a beautiful slow song. The lyrics give this song plenty of atmosphere. Lost Weekend is a thoroughly modern country song once again in the style of Alan Jackson. Hey Mister sees the mood slow to almost a stop. This is most definitely the icing on the cake as far as this album is concerned. This is a lovely slow song crammed full of emotion. Doug’s vocals really bring this song to life. The Gang’s All Here is another typical country song done well. The album ends on a high with another amazing song called Close Enough. This is a classy more old style song. This album has a song for everyone.
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