leoroberts
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Post by leoroberts on Apr 30, 2015 11:20:37 GMT
So, got this new CD this morning by some girl... thought I'd write a bit of a review. Many of the songs are well known to forum members and attenders of the Forum meets. Lynn's guitar work is very sympathetic to the lyrics. She has a lovely sort of slap/plectrum style (only way I can describe it) although a couple of tracks ('Diamonds Or Pearls' and 'New Moon On The Rise') are fingerpicked. Very plain packaging - and, other than a track listing and the fact that all songs are written and performed by the artist, there's not much information. Which is both good and bad depending on how you look at things! I'd've liked to see 'all instruments played by the artist' somewhere, and maybe note of which guitar(s) were used to record. It does save a fortune on costly inserts! And Lynn's voice is clear enough that lyrics aren't an issue. She does sing in that 'American' accent, though. Can't think why... Production values seem nice and high - with very clear recordings of some lovely songs. The first three in particular are show-stoppers. 'Twenty Years' and the title track both have great choruses for playing live. The final two tracks on the album give an interesting contrast of a 'pseudo-religious' theme both taking a (sort of) sideways glance at the importance of water in religious ritual (at least that's how it seemed to me!) There's a real feel of autobiography to most of the songs (all written by Wild Violet) but it's not the CD of a 16 year old girl singing her diary. The second song on the album, the wistful 'All I Have' is already a real favourite - and new to me. Strong melodies, engaging lyrics, sympathetic accompaniment ... what's not to enjoy? Track listing: 1. Any Time The Wind Blows 2. All I Have 3. Twenty Years 4. Two Steps Back 5. Diamonds Or Pearls 6. Until The Morning Comes 7. New Moon On The Rise 8. The Pines 9. Down By The River 10. The Water |
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Apr 30, 2015 12:19:24 GMT
Cool review, Leo! Can't wait 'til I get my copy  |
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Wild Violet
Artist / Performer
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My main instrument is: Symonds OM-14
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Post by Wild Violet on Apr 30, 2015 13:10:56 GMT
Thanks Leo for the kind review!! I didn't plan on the CD packaging being so sparse - I didn't think it would be mastered soon enough for the gig tonight (and another next Wed night) so when it was, I sent in the artwork straight away to get it finished in time. It would have been more expensive to have a booklet etc but I didn't realise until I got it back that there isn't even any contact info on it.  The song order was a tough one, I thought it would be better to put the songs that were likely to have universal appeal (as opposed to the "grow on you" kind of songs ) interspersed with the rest but Kip (of Winter Wilson) said to have my strongest songs first. She said when it comes to radio play or bookings, people tend to listen to the first three songs and if you haven't hooked them by then, it gets tossed in the trash. There is a dark religious theme in some of the songs, as you noticed - it's hard to grow up in a strange place like the USA and not be affected by it. There are some very insular areas where lunatics can gain a cultish following, as in "Down by the River". That song was inspired by a Reverend who would baptise his congregation in the river. He took to privately "cleansing" the souls of wayward teenage girls, which often ended up with them being drowned. The song is a warning from a victim to her sister to stay away. When I reorder I am going to ask them to put an email address or my facebook page in case anyone wants to get in touch. All the songs were played on the Martin, with the exception of All I Have, Anytime the Wind Blows and Diamonds or Pearls. I used the Gibson for those. Thanks again  |
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Apr 30, 2015 13:26:01 GMT
but I didn't realise until I got it back that there isn't even any contact info on it. D'you know, I didn't even think of contact info - but it's an absolute must for a gigging musician! If it IS your FB page make sure you give 'em the 'musician' one - and get a photo of your album cover as background header to that page right now, missy  (or, of course, set up a new email with gmail or something) Meanwhile, print out a few 'contact detail' slips to put in the CDs until the new order comes through... |
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Wild Violet
Artist / Performer
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My main instrument is: Symonds OM-14
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Post by Wild Violet on Apr 30, 2015 13:34:15 GMT
get a photo of your album cover as background header to that page right now, missy Meanwhile, print out a few 'contact detail' slips to put in the CDs until the new order comes through... Good idea Leo. I'm going to tuck a business card in the CD case for now. |
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Martin
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Post by Martin on May 1, 2015 12:31:23 GMT
I got my copy last night, and between then and now I've managed to listen to it in its entirety, with a repeat listen for the first three songs No need to go into any more details other than it's one of the best CDs I've bought recently, from anyone! Excellent, strong, rhythmic guitar playing, great use of harmonica, lovely vocals and most importantly, very high quality song writing, both in terms of structure/melody and lyrics. Yes, it's all very much 'Americana' in flavour, but then isn't that to be expected? Every song on the CD is immediately accessible and listenable (yes, every one!), and while some are upbeat in tempo, and some are more reserved, the album as a whole has a melancholy feel which I really like. Get it  |
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Wild Violet
Artist / Performer
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My main instrument is: Symonds OM-14
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Post by Wild Violet on May 1, 2015 16:15:21 GMT
Wow you guys, I'm a little overwhelmed by your responses! I still feel a bit like the girl playing alone in her bedroom quietly, scared that someone might hear her.
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brianr2
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Post by brianr2 on May 1, 2015 16:21:23 GMT
I got my copy today and can only agree with Martin and Leo: it's a great set of songs, beautifully played and very well recorded. It is something I shall play repeatedly and hear something fresh each time. Thanks Lynn for this.
The only downside for Lynn is that rarely can a recording star have attracted quite such a motley bunch of groupies...
Brian
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on May 1, 2015 16:38:23 GMT
Been listening to my copy this morning - thanks - lovely job Lynn - the sound is very "real" and beautifully recorded, let alone played and sung so well! Songs are carefully crafted too and it is a pleasure to hear someone singing in a transatlantic accent knowing it's genuine! My favourite is still "New Moon on the Rise", which is simply sublime in every respect. It also brings back happy memories of you losing your (performing) virginity in Hebden Bridge - definitely the start of something good, something very good indeed! Really pleased for you that you managed to complete this project in such fine style!  Keith |
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Wild Violet
Artist / Performer
Posts: 3,642
My main instrument is: Symonds OM-14
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Post by Wild Violet on May 1, 2015 17:23:16 GMT
Thanks guys. There are some mistakes and things aren't perfect but I am completely satisfied that I did the best I could at the time.
It was great to be able to record with pro equipment and then have it mixed by someone who knows what they are doing.
Maybe one day I will be able to do take after take until it's perfect, but at the moment I am really happy with how it turned out.
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Wild Violet
Artist / Performer
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My main instrument is: Symonds OM-14
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Post by Wild Violet on May 5, 2015 15:59:46 GMT
A local-ish radio station is going to play one of my songs tonight on their folk music show!!  The Pines and New Moon on the Rise  |
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on May 5, 2015 22:02:19 GMT
A local-ish radio station is going to play one of my songs tonight on their folk music show!! The Pines and New Moon on the Rise which are tracks 7 and 8 .... so much for front loading LOL |
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on May 5, 2015 22:31:46 GMT
... that would be my choice too!
Keith
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Andy P
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Post by Andy P on May 6, 2015 19:03:14 GMT
How does one obtain a copy then?
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Martin
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Post by Martin on May 6, 2015 19:08:06 GMT
How does one obtain a copy then? Send a PM to Wild Violet with your address, get her paypal addy, pay her a few pounds, CD arrives next day  |
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Jo whoever he is.
