Elly Roberts reviews
Hummingbird: Tougher Than Love
Distributed by
Happy Tree Records
- March 2007
- Rating: 10/10
Taking their name from an Emmylou Harris guitar - Hummingbird,
Amy Wadge, Cathy Burton and Edwina Hayes pool together their immense talents
for their debut album.
In late 2005 the trio decided to amalgam their collective songwriting –
singing skills with Mighty Vibration production team (who produced the No.1
album for Sandi Thom) so the they’re in good hands– the results of which are
quite dazzling.
Of the three, Amy Wadge is probably the best known, but almost takes a
backseat in terms of musical contribution, penning only two songs here.
Clearly happy with her role, Wadge and co masterfully blend contemporary
roots music with gorgeous harmonies and melodies.
All three play delicious acoustic guitars along with mandolin and piano,
giving cultured and sweet vocal contributions, unlike many of their pop
contemporaries. There again, these aren’t Celeb seeking babes, just great
singer-songwriters on top of their game.
The press blurb boldly draws comparisons with The Indigo Girls, Dixie Chicks
and legends Crosby Still Nash and Young. And rightly so, but it’s one hell of
a reputation to live up to, and with a lot of luck, some savvy radio producer
with pick up on them.
This is perfect fodder for the eclectically minded BBC Radio 2. It would be a
crying shame if their efforts weren’t recognised as this is a stylish and
polished album. Lightweight but chirpy, a countrified (a la Dolly Parton),
Sing A Lullaby, a lover’s lament, gives us the an indication of what’s
to come further in - their close harmony is mind-blowing.
In a similar Parton template, Tougher Than Love has all the hallmarks
of a country gem, though neither are written by the trio. CSN&Y influences pop
up on Shine On, a sparkling retro '70s folk-rocker, with it’s catchy
hooks and playful chorus.
Hayes gives her first self-penned contribution on the delightful I Want
Your Love, proving she can mix it with outside writers Field/Thompson/Gilbert
– songs 1,2,3,5. Wadge gets her say with Free Fall, taking the lead
with her new chums backing her with tender nuances.
Of the collection Everybody’s Fool has the most heart-rending lyrics,
and the only semi-melancholic track, given added potency by swirling strings,
though Too Lonely. is a tad sombre, but has qualities of hope that
never drag it down. All three write Hold Me, a shifting and stripped
ballad that rounds-off a stunning debut.
The girls will tour for festivals this summer, including Glastonbury.
The full list of tracks included are :
DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TXW32R4 32" widescreen TV
connected to either a Creative Dxr2 DVD-ROM player or Microsoft Xbox and
played through a Sony STR-DB930 amplifier.
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2008.
