www.mondomix.org
Allie Fox - Diving for Pearls
A superb
Scottish-based writer and performer who evokes some of the best
of the '60s singer-songwriters in her work. Although there are only
ten pieces, Fox doesn't need more to capture the full variety of
moods, from joy to wistfulness and heartache. At the same time,
it's definitely not a folk album per se, more languid acoustic pop
that refreshes the parts others of the ilk can't seem to reach any
more. Whether that's due to experience (thankfully, she's not another
twentysomething displaying her angst), or, more likely, an abundance
of talent, it doesn't really matter. She delivers the goods, and
for all the arrangements and sidemen, things never seem crowded
- it's a record that allows her space. You won't find many better
debuts this year.
www.globalvillageidiot.net
Allie
Fox - Diving for Pearls
A superb
Scottish-based writer and performer who evokes some of the best
of the 60's singer-songwriters in her work. Although there are only
ten pieces, Fox doesn't need more to capture the full variety of
moods, from joy to wistfulness and heartache. At the same time,
it's definitely not a folk album per se, more languid acoustic pop
that refreshes the parts others of the ilk can't seem to reach anymore.
Whether that's due to experience (thankfully she's not another twentysomething
displaying her angst), or, more likely, an abundance of talent,
it doesn't really matter. She delivers the goods, and for all the
arrangements and sidemen, things never seem crowded - it's a record
that allows her space. You won't find many better debuts this year.
BOL.COM
Diving for Pearls - Folk New Releases
As befits
a record championed by Whispering Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2 , there's
an undeniably persuasive and mature soft-focus charm to Diving
For Pearls, the debut offering from this well-regarded Scottish
songwriter. Her voice is strong but tender and thus well placed
to carry off self-penned tough-luck tales like I Was Wrong
and Backstreet Girl with resolution and sympathy. Be it the
bittersweet Latin twist to the Cinderella theme on Marguerita,
the civil rights tribute to a boxing legend on Joe Louis Blues
or the brighter, clappy congregational choruses of Out Of The
Blue, Diving For Pearls rarely falters.
INDIE-MUSIC.COM
Allie Fox - Diving for Pearls
This Scotswoman's got it goin' on! There's this sweet groove, her
sweet soprano Scottish lilt, finely crafted musicianship, cool vocal
harmonies and good lyrics. While most of the 10 tunes are good --
showing up with blues, country, pop and world music influences --
the best ones are ones that get you moving in both body and spirit.
The opener Out of the Blue is a toe-tapper, showcasing Allie's
crystal clear voice -- which makes you think of others from her
area of the world like Fiona Joyce, Dolores Keane, Eleanor Shanley,
Maire Brennan. Yet, she has her own sound, exhibiting really good
range and control even when reaching for the high notes. Speaking
of voices: the backup is a gospel-tinged "responsive"
style credited to Allie (overlay) and Iain Mckinna (who also lends
his skills on keyboards, bass, electric guitar and drum programs)
The tastefully infused acoustic guitar chops on this one are traded
off between Allie and John Rutherford. Rise and Shine begins
with a soft, swishing percussion, rolling bass and Allie's melodic
acoustic guitar. Dave Haswell's percussion adds to the rhythmic
flow of this energetic tune. Marguerita, takes a stab at
a world sound with Rutherford and Allie once again leading the way
on acoustic guitar -- flamenco style. It's really an infectious
tune and so well done!
Moon Above the Rooftops is another great tune with accordion
(Mike Nolan) and more effective percussion from Haswell. It's got
that impeccable rhythm and a pulsing bass line that make for another
of those "gotta get up and move" songs. While the slower
tunes are good, it's the ones with the energy -- albeit a kind of
soft, flowing strength -- that really capture your ear.
