If you are a fan of country/blues artists like the Civil Wars and The Secret Sisters then you should take a listen to Lucette. She recently supported The Secret Sisters at Union Chapel in Islington, London and blew the audience away with her performance. That venue always adds something special to the atmosphere as well, it’s one of my favourites. She has a sultry, laid back way of singing that draws you into the song even more, well worth a listen. Check out her single Baby I Want You Home.
“Creating music just comes naturally to me,” she says, when asked to reflect on the experience. “There’s not a day that I don’t feel like sitting down at the piano and singing.”
As Lucette recalls, “I used to get made fun of for carrying a tin Elvis lunch box to school. Other girls wanted Barbies; I wanted Blue Suede Shoes.”
The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow
Review by Clare Knight
Buy: Barton Hollow Album
I have to say that the Civil Wars are probably the best country act to come out of Tennessee recently, who have managed to cross the pond and make an impact on people in the rather ‘country-less’ UK. First appearing on Jools Holland and impressing everyone with their cover of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, the duo of Joy Williams and John Paul White have released an equally as impressive debut album. Barton Hollow is a country album but don’t be deterred as they manage to draw from the blues and you are mostly listening to their amazing blend of voices. Really you should listen to this album on vinyl in a dimly lit room with a glass of whiskey to get the full essence of it!
From the first track, 20 Years you hear the warm sound of a solo acoustic guitar played by John Paul White beautifully, which is something that is consistent throughout the album and really makes this duo stand out. Other notable tracks made beautiful by his guitar playing are C’est La Mort, To Whom It May Concern and Girl With The Red Balloon.
The title track, Barton Hollow is as down and dirty blues as this album gets with lyrics like ‘the devil gonna find me wherever I go’ and pounding rhythmic guitar mixed with their soulful harmonies. This song especially brings out the passion and theatrics of their songs for me. One of my favourites from this album is Forget Me Not, an ode to a lover being far away. It is a beautifully wistful song that emphasises the country vibe with a violin and slide guitar. However, the instruments are mostly forgettable (forgive the pun) as the lyrics and the vocal harmony throughout takes centre stage. ‘Let’s write a song for us, and sing until we’re old and grey’… ain’t that a lyric to make ya swoon! I can’t finish without mentioning the Billie Jean cover which I mentioned earlier. It is a completely new take on the song, which is done in true Civil Wars fashion with one guitar and two amazing vocals.
I love how this album tells so many in depth stories in 3 minute songs. The Civil Wars are impressive songwriters who write with passion and longing. They also happen to have rather good vocal chords (may I give props to John Paul White at this point) and a great dynamic between the two of them. It’s no wonder they are popular across the globe, they are really bloody good!
Have a taste of the voice of Caitlin Rose and watch her new video for the single Shanghai Cigarettes. Having been compared to country greats such as Emmy Lou Harris and Patsy Cline she also has that modern edge to her… I want to say similar to Zooey Deschanel’sstyle of singing.
This guy is supporting a band called Delta Spirit later this month so I checked his music out. I am a big believer in watching the support acts for bands because it’s guaranteed more often than not you will come across some seriously good music!… lecture over.
He has a weary, solemn voice that draws you in to the story and emotion of the song, I suppose this could be partly due to the simplicity and bareness of the music as well. Have a listen:
Two members of the Dixie Chicks, sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison have formed a new country band called Court Yard Hounds.
Some of you may be aware of the controversy that occurred a few years back when Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks ‘insulted’ George Bush at a live gig in London. As one of the first to speak out about the war and Bush they became a target for loyal Americans. Nowadays it’s a different story, hindsight is a wonderful thing ey!
After this uproar the musical style of the Dixie Chicks changed to more of a retaliation to the backlash from the American people. They gained huge support for their song I’m Not Ready To Make Nice.
The Court Yard Hounds project is a refreshing return to the country roots, and shows off their musicianship as well as vocal abilities. Even if you are not a country fan, you have to appreciate the amount of skill bluegrass and country musicians have!
