Customer Reviews

Little Black Numbers

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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I bought this album after hearing it play in my local record shop. I had never heard Kathryn before and I immediately enquired as to whom this mellow, soulful woman was. I was totally spellbound after hearing the thoughtful lyrics combined with soft yet not syrupy vocals wrapped around smooth musical arrangements. I have seen Kathryn live and she is every bit as good. Her voice needs no gimmicks or fancy production styles. For people who haven't heard Kathryn's work, the vocals are reminiscent of maybe The Sundays or St Etienne, mellow and dreamy. However I feel the real strength lies in the excellent song writing ability. She writes mainly about her friends and relationships but some of her songs focus on the abstract. In both arenas she is consistent in her bare, questioning style. Unlike some modern folk singers she doesn't have political points to make or a chip on her shoulder and so the result is refreshing and more accessible than some of her contempararies.

She has that magical storytelling quality and so you feel you can identify with all she says. A little bit like Joni Mitchell but instead of being drawn in all the way you are with Mitchell's work, you remain on the edge a spectator, wondering. She retains a sense of mystery. By keeping this distance the whole package is less intense and thus it is perfect chill out music. I feel this album is stronger than her first album "Dog Leap Stairs". Kathryn sounds a lttle more at ease with her self and it is a quietly confident album. Musically it is bolder in the way that it uses more instruments which lift the mood and save it from the danger of becoming too sombre or self indulgent. Particularly good is the use of the Cello. If you are new to Kathryn's work, this is an excellent place to start. If you get a chance go and see her live. She is an excellent performer and I am sure we will hear much more from her.

Kathryn Williams' Little Black Numbers won a well-deserved Mercury Album of the Year nomination in the UK in 2000 and while this budding folk/pop album contains many delightful touches, it feels like the gateway to greater things.

Progressing from the sparse, minimal arrangements on Dog Leap Stairs, LBN delivers at least two potential crossover hits on Soul To Feet and the mannered, brooding Jasmine Hoop. Worthwhile and highly recommended, Williams is an artist to watch.

Little Black Numbers is fantastic. Clearly influenced by Nick Drake and all the better for it - probably more listenable than Drake long term. My favourites used to be Stood, Jasmine Hoop and Fell Down Fast. Now I'm getting into Soul to Feet, Flicker, Morning Song and Each Star We See. I would recommend this to anybody interested in good musc.

A gem is a phrase all too often used in the sweet world of singer-songwriters, but here it applies. Kathryn Williams, along with the better known David Gray, is one of my two favorite singer-songwriters of the last couple of years. Her songs are intimate, her voice lush and appealing. The backing is subtle and effective; the tone reflective and gorgeous. The really special song here is track 8, 'Tell The Truth As If It Were Lies' which is the perfect acoustic folky tune, very catchy and beautiful. It is also great at night, as the whole of this album is.