devon sproule is a 26 year old canadian-american singer songwriter
pictured centre of the album cover for this latest cd virgin review
not heard anything of her before that i recall but am aware of the name
her wiki bio makes for interesting reading - she has hippie parents
was born and raised in a commune and has fond memories of that time
her music apparantly shares elements of folk, country and jazz - hmmm
old virginia block
kicks in with a strummed banjo and what sounds like a tea-chest bass
so we are in real folk/country territory here - love it or.....
then her voice comes in - oh so sweet, lucid and natural sounding it is
violin (fiddle) joins, the pace picks up and it's a bit of a knees up
all sounding very authentic, natural, and kind of contemporary
keep your silver shined
lovely picked acoustic guitar and bit of slide in the background
a slow number with her stunning voice once again the focal point
this one demanding a read/re-read of the lyrics as the song builds
i want to land in a tugging hand - a youthful bed with a youthful plan
i want to wait and take my time - all my time, to keep my silver shined
1340 chesapeake st
there's an instrument mentioned in the credits for this tune - a trash kit
which may explain the tom waits-ish beat and feel to this ode to home life
her lyrics are so evocative of time and place - this one seems quite nostalgic
jeff romano plays all sorts of instruments on various tracks and also produces
great job on this one as he brings in a fine mixture of vibes, guitars, etc just right
let's go out
a clarinet sets the tone here closely followed by an accordian in this little ditty
so easy to identify with her as she tells a simple story of desire to go out
there's nothing in the fridge, nothing in the cupboard, there's nothing on the tv
i'm sure there's a a jazz band playing in one of the bars downtown - honey let's go out
swings along just so nicely and has just a most lovely romantic ending - sigh
the well-dressed son to his sweetheart
hmmm - now moving into a more identifiable country sound/lyrics
that middle america country sound with a straight beat and electric guitars
so probably not my favourite genre and this one doesn't change that much
but someone will think this is the best song on the album
kind of trite lyrics too that suit the feel - the only one so far not repeat-played
eloise and alex
husband paul curreri the writer of this one and in charge of acoustic guitar
very low key and simple instruments and vocals/lyrics to match
not sure who eloise and alex could be - quite possibly favourite pets
she really does have a gorgeous voice that stands out in the quieter tunes
hubbie providing backing and harmonising vocals - loverly really
does the day feel long?
her voice is the main instrument here - closely followed by clarinet
a really nice combination together with an acoustic guitar played very well
proving she is also a talented guitarist - she writes, she sings, she plays
such a laid-back groove here allowing the clarinet to seduce as it can
in a way such a loose sound but hanging together as in the hands of experts
dress sharp, play well, be modest
yes well another one that kind of just is and not much else to be said
the lyrics don't seem so cohesive either and give no clues to the intent
electric and pedal steel guitars in there doing their thang adequately
the term album-filler springs to mind but again someone will love this
i just find it quite lazy - composition, playing, delivery - not my favourite
stop by anytime
jazz influence coming through here as the drummer taps out a beat
her voice lending itself very well to this departure in style
can easily imagine her using this to demand attention in a jazz club
there's also a standup bass which gets a bit of prominence at one point
this tune absolutely proving her versatility and the promise of what will follow
the weeping willow
choosing a traditional song as the album closer is not a bad idea
mary chapin carpenter lending her voice to provide great harmonies
a bass harmonica played by producer jeff romano making an unusual noise
get the impression everyone is having fun on this head-bopper
but it's all over just as it cranks up a gear - which is a shame really
summary
this young lady proves in this album that she will become revered by folk/country/blues/roots fans and those just liking a beautiful voice and authentic, organic musicianship
