Emily Maguire BELIEVER (Shaktu)

Biography

In 2003, Emily maguire got off a plae in Australia with a bag on her back, a bunch of songs in her head, and 3 weeks to work out what to do with the rest of her life. When the time came to leave she cancelled her ticket back to London. Aussie producer Christian Durham had persuaded her not to give up her guitar for a proper job, but to stay and make a record. What was supposed to be a short holiday on the Sunshine Coast turned into a whole new way of life - living on a farm, writing and recording songs, growing veggies, making goats cheese, collecting rainwater and dodging snakes and spiders in a beautiful shack made from recycled wood, tin and potato sacks.

Classically trained on piano, cello, recorder and flute, Emily was taught to read music when she was only 3 years old. By the time she was 12, she seemed destined to be a professional cellist, playing in competitions, attending chamber music courses, and being trained by world-famous cellist Paul Tortelier. In 2004, she recorded her first album, STRANGER PLACE, which was acclaimed by the Australian media.

I’ve listened to this album several times and find it pleasant enough, but, in this highly competitive market for singer/songwriters, cannot find anything that inspires or excites me. Perhaps I need to see Emily perform live… Standout track is ‘Autumn Leaves’ which is pedestrian but quite beautiful. Emily has a decent voice but, to me, it seems one-dimensional, unable to provide a convincing emotional connection with her songs or me. ‘Believer’ is perhaps her most credible vocal performance as it changes in tone and ups the expressive stakes. The latter half of the album improves with songs like the melancholy ‘Woke Up’ which is enhanced by the slow drum beat which adds to the drama of the song. If it had a byuilding crescendo, it could have been much better. I can imagine many people really liking this record but to my ears many of the songs sound the same, with little diversity in pace and mood.

3.5/5

Kieran Goss I’LL BE SEEING YOU (COG Communications). Release Date: 22 February 2010.

Biography

Kieran Goss is one of Ireland’s most romantic singer/songwriters. With melodies that reflect the influence of such American pop-folk singers as James Taylor and Paul Simon and Irish singer/songwriters such as Christy Moore, Goss aims at the heart with his poetic lyricism. A former sideman for Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, Moore, Clannad, and both Mary and Frances Black, Goss has garnered acclaim with three powerful solo albums. The tenth child born to a family of 15 children, Goss began playing guitar and piano at age nine. His debut public appearance came during a summer trip to the U.S. in the early ’80s. While studying law at Queen’s University in Belfast, he performed cover tunes in local pubs. Although he qualified to become a barrister in 1985, the lure of music proved greater. Setting out to seek his fame and fortune as a musician, Goss backed up a variety of different performers. After meeting the Black family at a festival, he was invited to accompany Frances on a tour. Goss and Frances continued to play together for four years, recording a duo album, Frances Black and Kieran Goss, in 1992. Goss also supplied instrumental accompaniment for Mary, who recorded two of his songs - “Brand New Star” and “Love Is Just ‘Round the Corner.” Goss’ debut solo album, Brand New Star, released in 1988; it was followed by New Day in 1994 and Worse than Pride in 1998. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide

I like this album because it paints pictures. Take the first track, ‘One Boy’s Teasure’: “Old as days gone by/Here but I don’t know why/Standing on a corner in the town I’m born in/School bell ringing on a frosty morning/Blowing on my hands trying to keep them warm and dry.” It takes me back to my own early school days, and is interpreted in such a loving, gentle way. There’s also a strong melody, gently rolling pace,  and a vocal style that is reflective, sincere and intimate. Then ‘The Reason Why’ changes tack by going light and joyful with a vocal that convinces. Moving, emotional reflection returns with ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’ which is co-written by Kimmie Rhodes. ‘Into Your Arms’ is a superb, glacially paced love song: “I’ve waited for tonight/the sound, the taste, the sight/of what you are to me/of what we cannot be…” Goss makes you believe…

Other highlights include the beautifully penned ‘Line Of Innocence’, the deeply moving ‘Shining Like The Sun’ and vibrant, light ‘Over And Over.’

3.8/5