 One Of These Days (Landsleit Records HS8640) |
Christmas has come early! To give you an initial idea of where I place my thoughts on this stunningly beautiful album, it in many ways combines two of my favourite artists namely Beverly Craven and Nightnoise. Gently rippling paced sumptuous chords are brushed onto the piano in a way that refreshes the listener like water falling gracefully from a waterfall. That last sentence may seem a bit gushing but if you buy the album you’ll soon see what I mean. I suppose comparisons may be drawn to those mood music albums you buy in a shop you’re always trying to avoid going into with your girlfriend or wife in case someone you know recognises you. The thing is, with this album, it is stretched further by Helen’s easy-going vocals that come across so naturally you’d swear she was singing just for you. Like Beverley Craven’s lyrics they come through in a fluid style that I suppose a lot of women will associate with so much more than us ‘macho’ males. Still if it makes me want to sit and digest the words (a rare thing for me as I’m so steeped in traditional Celtic music – or so everyone keeps telling me…) then maybe we should all be more aware of what is set before us. Producer Phil Swann has crafted each track by subtly introducing delicately placed double bass, keyboards, guitars, percussion, whistles and violin so as not to infringe on the ethereal vocals and in doing so has infused the album with real character. This is as fine a recording as any I’ve come across recently including Dido and Diana Krall and as if proof were needed I can safely assume that women are set for world domination when it comes to putting pen to paper. Oh, by the way for those of you who have heard the name but cannot put a picture to the face, Helen Slater was Supergirl in the motion picture. If you’re looking for an ideal present for that someone special in your life this album couldn’t come with a higher recommendation. |