Elly Roberts reviews
Caroline Lavelle:
A Distant Bell
Distributed by
Ringing Tree Records
- Year: 2004
- Rating: 10/10
- Cat. No: RTR2
Track listing:
1. Gently Johnny
2. So Uncool
3. Innocence Sleeping
4. Banks Of The Nile
5. Simple Lyric
6. No More Words
7. Too Late
8. The Trees They Do Grow High
9. Greenwood Laddie
10. Timeless
11. Handful of Ashes
12. Farewell To Music
13. Gently Johnny (extended version)
Spread these words – CAROLINE LAVELLE; and remember them.
It’s not often I make profound accolades about artistes. This blonde-bombshell
living a simple life in Devon, certainly deserves them. Just now and again, something
special jumps out and slaps you across the face. Cellist Caroline Lavelle’s
third album - A Distant Bell does exactly that.
Now, this is something
really special. Forget pop music. Think swirling strings, harps, smokey
vocals, Irish folk songs and you get drama and tenderness all in the mix.
Classically trained, Lavelle’s reputation has been gradually growing over
the past decade. Held in high regard, she’s collaborated and contributed to
luminaries such as Vangelis, Massive Attack, Radiohead, Peter Gabriel and
violinist Nigel Kennedy.
From the opening strings and seductive lyrics of
Gently Johnny, you know this is going to be a wonderful 53-minute journey –
and it is. She has the unique ability to interweave and absorb a wide range
of musical styles, considered a Chamber-Folk experience. It comes from two
principle sources: Frankie Gavin, leader of Irish troubadours De Dannan,
who spotted her busking in Covent Garden. The other; her grandfather who’d
worked with Elgar.
Standout tracks include the haunting Banks Of The Nile, the seven-minute
plus of Greenwood Laddie and the challenging lyrical dynamic of Armenian
folk song Handful of Ashes. Soaring and timeless, it actually defies
classification.
Best heard on head – phones with a bottle of wine – oh, and don’t forget to
switch the lights out! File under : GORGEOUS.
Other works:
Spirit (1995)
and
Brilliant Midnight (2002)
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
