Customer Reviews

Four Marys

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In an time of neo-folk, it's an interesting departure to hear Ms. Pidgeon's traditionalist music. She assays a broad range of English and American tunes, all reasonably familiar, though none are tired. This is an excellent quiet Saturday at home listen, easy, pleasant, and yet quite intelligent.

The production values on this CD are a real asset--the instrumentation is placed where it should be, in the background, and there are none of the mock-grandiose classical-ish arrangements that marred many of the late 60s and early 70s efforts to popularize traditional folk. Ms. Pidgeon is not as resonant a vocalist as some of her fellow artists in the field, but what her quiet timbre may lack is more than made up by her simple, unadorned and quite pretty readings of the songs. This is not an album of melodramatic theatricalization of the songs. This is an album in which the mastery in the lyrics and tunes is allowed to shine out through respectful, quiet production values. This CD is not a breakthrough or world-beater, but it's solid, and worth owning.

Rebecca Pidgeon has been blessed with the most stunningly beautiful singing-voice in the world. This, her 3rd solo-album, is packed with yet another collection of songs to capture you. I've been a fan since I first heard her back in '90, on the album "Down From Above", the 2nd release from her old band "Ruby Blue". I'll never forget the impact that voice, and those songs had on me. -It's still one of my favourite recordings of all time!. The clarity and sheer perfection in her singing back then, hasn't quite been reached again since then. -But I have a feeling this is intentional hiding on her part. Unnecessary for such a talent, ofcourse. Whatever the reason, that wonderful smooth, seductive and calm voice is still there. Soothing. However, I do hope she will make a more up-tempo album next. -It can hardly get more quiet, than on this outing.

I can't stop myself from listening to this wonderful collection, over and over again. Rebecca Pidgeon is a rare treasure. Her voice has a sweet and haunting quality that will reach straight into your heart. The arrangements are splendid. I particularly enjoyed Ms. Pidgeon's personal liner notes on the songs, giving attribution and a brief history for each. Simply one of the best albums ever.

I was never of the opinion that one could write a critical review about music. At least with movies there's acting and storyline and cinematography and just plain good writing, but music is about feeling. Still, this CD is so wonderful that I had to write something. I never thought I could enjoy Irish folk music, but Rebecca's voice is so lovely and delicate and you can't help but be taken with her special flavor of music. This is a must have to anybody who has heard her other work and I would recommend this to anyone I felt could appreciate it. This goes straight to the best-of-the-best section of my collection.

I first heard Rebecca as the main focus of Ruby Blue back in 1990 with the Fontana album 'Down From Above' which is enchanting in it's beauty and very well written. I saw them live touring to promote the album and Rebecca re-produced the vocal performance to prefection and it must be said backing and harmonies provided by Erika Spotswood proved to be above the mark, but Rebecca left for foreign shores on persuit of love. The band persisted for a short spell without her but ultimatley failed.
I hav now through the internet become reaquainted with mis Pidgeon and it was well worth the wait she still has the voice (and Looks ) of an angel and this album is a perfect mellow folk trip. If you like this try Monica Queen or Karen Matherson both artists have smaples available through their own and Vertical records websites but again I recomend The music of Rebecca and Ruby Blue to anyone.

So I read the other reviews before I bought this album, I looked at the play list -- looked good. Unfortunately my speakers weren't working so I couldn't listen to the selections, but I thought I'd take a chance. Pidgeon could have a nice voice, but for some reason she insists on a nasaly twang that sounds more hill-billy than Scots. It's like nails on a chalkboard. If you want good, authentic, Scottish folk music listen to Jean Redpath's First Flight. There's no comparison.