Elly Roberts reviews
Claire Sproule: Claire Sproule
Distributed by
Parlophone
- Released: October 2005
- Rating: 6/10
Pleasant, inoffensive, confident self-penned debut from 21 year-old Irish songbird Claire Sproule (pronounced 'sprool').,
What's even more remarkable
about these songs is that they were written between the ages of 17 and 19.
To be taken under the wing of mentor Stewart Levine (Simply Red, Lionel
Richie, Joe Cocker, and Jamie Cullum) it speaks volumes about her
credibility, as do her support slots with music maverick Dr.John and soul
legend Al Green.
With his vast experience, Levine does an immaculate job of
presenting her work at its best, in a relaxed manner, bringing out the best
in her fledgling career. Parlophone have also shown great confidence in
taking her on board, and rightly so. Formative influences are cited as Tom
Waits, Joni Mitchell and Elvis Costello, obviously by her parents.
Fine-tuning her guitar skills came by her uncle in America. There's no
obvious direct link between any of stars mentioned, other than her solid
songwriting.
There isn't a pretentious moment in sight, with musicians Pino
Paladino (bass), John Paricelli (guitars), Ian Thomas (drums), Dave Hartley
and Martin Ditchum (percussion) bringing the delightfully observational
songs to life. Sproule had never been in a studio before this recording, and
clearly wasn't intimidated by the talent surrounding her: she was in good
company. It's crafted as a very mature effort, and output.
Vocally, she moves from strong to uncertain (at times), though it doesn't
have any detriment on the feel, pace and mood, which will certainly take on
a better timbre with maturity. It just adds to the overall charm. In many
ways Sproule is in the Carole King mould - all she needs now is hit single -
and there might not be one here.
A gut feeling renders this yet another a slow burner (James Blunt / Damien
Rice), but it's a very promising start from someone who's in it for the
long-run. Katie Melua and Norah Jones have finally got some serious
competition.
Top tracks - Wash Over and On My Mind.
Weblink:
Claire Sproule.com
The full list of tracks included are :
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.