Album Reviews
‘The Chicago Sessions’ – ten songs you’ll relish (September 07, 2009)
Honey-sweet vocals lead you through ten beautifully
performed songs on ‘The Chicago Sessions’ – and they’re ten songs you’ll relish.
The enthralling voice belongs to Rose Laughlin and this is her second album. It’s
a classic example of inspired music and beguiling vocals forged from both Celtic and American folk roots. Listen once and you’re
hooked.
On this album, Rose has enlisted the talents of Mike Kirkpatrick
(guitar) Devin Shepherd (fiddle) Jackie Moran (bodhran) and Kat Eggleston
(vocal harmony) and together they have fashioned an album to remember. Mike’s deft
touch on the guitar glides over the inspired emotion carried in Rose’s voice; add stunning
fiddle work from Devin and Kat’s subtle harmonies and ‘The Chicago Sessions’ is
a unique treat for the ear.
 Opening the album with ‘Summertime’ is a bold move because
it’s a so different to what follows but I think most listeners will approve, and enjoy a different take on the song. ‘Craigie
Hill by contrast, fits with the tradition and leads you into the depth of this
album – it’s a song to cherish. The journey continues with ‘Cold Rain and Snow’
which includes Jackie’s precise strokes on the bodhran. There’s an inspired
version of ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ where Rose’s voice and Devin’s fiddle coalesce
to lift an old song to new heights. ‘Unquiet Grave’ gives Rose the scope to display
her acapella vocal talents – ranging from soft and sultry to longing and soulful. And ‘Barbara Allen’ is one of the most powerful and haunting versions I’ve heard in
a while.
There’s depth and power in this album. Rose has nothing left
to prove here or in the future. Just listen to that voice and tell me what you
could possibly want to add or take away – nothing. ‘The Chicago Sessions’ is so
well put together should it fail to move your soul then it’s probable that you’re
the type that can’t be moved.
Click here to return to the Album Reviews page
Powered by Create
|
