Review of self-titled CD
November 13, 1997
Read the label on a bottle of fine Cabernet Sauvignon and it’ll go something like this: rich bouquet, firm and tannic, with a hint of boysenberry/blackcurrant (for flavour) and aged in an oak barrel (for mellow taste). Uncork the bottle, pour yourself a glass and give this disc a whirl. Making any connections? I’ll spell it out just for fun. Sirens, Nora Galloway, Jo-Ann Lawton, and Donna Creighton have a rich, mature sound, set off by complex harmonies and original songwriting. This compact disc reflects the happy convergence of the London chanteuses who are by now, well known in London music circles. Songwriter Lawton puts a personal touch on universal themes (Giving It Back), gives a woman’s voice to traditional folklore (Sailor’s Wife), and pulls off the astonishing feat of activating the salivary glands in Ode to Nancy (a rave on that lady’s cuisine). Galloway’s Hairdresser is a swinging romp through the riotous turf of, you guessed it, hair. If you appreciated groups like Quartet and Trio, and like lots of harmony, a healty dose of a capella, swing and scat-stylings, you’ll love this. It’s a select sound to be savoured by the connoisseur. Kudos to local musician, David Zdriluk, for a deft and subtle touch on stand-up and electric bass, as well as first-class production on this debut recording.