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HEIDI TALBOT - Angels Without Wings

HEIDI TALBOT - Angels Without Wings
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The fifth solo release by Irish singer Heidi Talbot is a transatlantic affair drawing on elements of folk, country, bluegrass, pop and music hall/café (!) with, once again, a cornucopia of collaborators and backing accompanists.

Reflections on time, age and love are the recurring themes in the easily accessible lyrics of the 11 songs, most of which are original compositions penned jointly with husband John McCusker and sometimes involving others. Particularly notable amongst these is Boo Hewerdine, who takes sole writing credit for the beautiful and exquisitely executed song My Sister The Moon. Of the two arrangements of traditional songs, the rendition of Dearest Johnny is a very effective dramatisation of slighted love fading away, where the Irish tinctures in her voice are particularly and pleasingly pronounced.

In addition to her stellar band – James Mackintosh, Ewen Vernal, Ian Carr, Michael McGoldrick, Phil Cunningham and Boo Hewerdine – the array of invitees includes Mark Knopfler, Donald Shaw, Andy Cutting, Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Tim O’Brien, King Creosote…and more! However, Heidi’s fine, fluty and almost frailish edged voice is always the centrepiece. Precisely accurate in its musicality, it’s undoubtedly a beautiful and beguiling instrument. For some, the prevailing feel of its recorded presentation here may at times be a little too smooth. Likewise the understated blending and orchestration of some of the guest contributions might be too mannered and, indeed, some of the male vocal additionality, a little jarring in its fit. Yet, for most people I expect the special magic of that voice and the quality of the production will convince and captivate in equal measure.

Kevin T. Ward

 

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This album was reviewed in Issue 95 of The Living Tradition magazine.