Elly Roberts reviews
Shelly Poole: Hard Time For The Dreamer
Distributed by
Transistor Project
- Released: September 2005
- Rating: 10/10
- Catalogue number : TRANSPCD1
It’s little wonder that the music critics are drooling over this gorgeous CD.
The Times said, "Her solo debut is a revelation.. A gentle gem of an
album.****."
And the Independent On Sunday said, "...perfect solo album..****."
Shelly, once half of Alisha’s Attic with sister Karen Poole now braves the
solo world, and what an outstanding premiere. We’ve had
Jem’s funky R&B,
Katie Melua’s recent safe-no-risks MOR Jazz;
now comes a unique fusion of Jazz,
Folk, Country (Don’t Look That Way) and a hint of pure pop-folk
balladeering duet with New Yorker Jack Savoretti on Any Day Now.
Most interesting track is bluesy-jazzy-ballad Don’t Look That Way,
a real modern twist on genre bending.
Cutting her teeth with sister Karen, and going on to write for Atomic Kitten
and Rachel Stevens, Miss Poole has been saving her best for now.
Forget Stevens’ and AC’s material, because this is a serious assault to
establish herself as singer-songwriter, and she’ definitely pulled it off.
Think breezy – dreamy melodies, juxtaposed by equally floaty but pristine
vocals and you get an unbelievably chilled album.
It’s a much stripped down production without losing quality. Better still
the little sonic touches here and there add to the ‘mhhhh’ factor.
If Shelly Poole was looking for solo-cred, then she’s achieved it.
One of the best female artist albums of 2005.
Weblink:
Shelly Poole.com /
Transistor Project.com
The full list of tracks included are :
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.