Customer Reviews

Songs From the Nineline

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If you like any of the above artists, how could you miss this?? Laurie Freelove is as powerful, unique and deep as anyone you can hear, anywhere. She is a pioneer in adding "World Music" to the lyrics she shares with us, giving a window to herself and to our own psyches. The music is complex and beautiful - sometimes rock and roll and sometimes something more mystical. With enchanting melodies and unfamiliar rhythms, this CD is so listen-able (is that a word?) that I can put it on the morning when I wake up and still be listening to it when I'm ready to unwind for the day. Some great cuts are here - even a great cover of the Beatle's "Dear Prudence" - and you've got to hear "Love A Way". The incredibly beautiful harmonies of Gemma Cochran are almost angelic (No Fire, Love A Way, Ha Ha Ha Ha). If you're LUCKY, you'll find Laurie's previous album "Smells Like Truth" to go with Nineline. Get ready to have your emotions and spirit stirred with this album. It *will* make you feel. Although this is quite personal, I can tell you that this CD helped me heal. I can hardly wait for Laurie Freelove's next recording. I know it will be over the top.

Laurie Freelove is an artist that - sadly - not many people have heard, at least in terms of widespread radio play and the sort of promotion that the major labels do on behalf of their artists. This is certainly not because of any lack of talent or creativity on her part - her work is simply amazing - but rather due to the fact that she has chosen wisely to remain independent, releasing her recordings on her own, at her own pace. She is thus free to create and perform as her spirit guides her, and the results are extraordinary. She has a number of recordings available as CD-Rs, along with some 'regular' cd releases.

SONGS FROM THE NINELINE is made up of 'live' recordings made from 1990-1996, mostly intended for broadcast on various radio stations in the US and Europe. The recording quality throughout the disc is exceptional -- and the 'live' aspect of the performances allows the listener an excellent opportunity to hear what this incredible artist can accomplish in performance, without the 'benefits' of studio gadgetry and after-the-fact tweaking. The musicians that accompany Laurie are extremely talented - and obviously familiar with her work. Their contributions are tasteful and supportive, never overshadowing the singer or the songs.

The singer and the songs. In the most outstanding examples of the singer-songwriter in our world, they are inseparable - and that is most certainly the case here. Laurie's music and words cut right to the heart of her subject matter - and of the listener. She writes and sings of the things that touch our souls, colored by her own unique vision and experience - but while many of these songs are obviously written from a deeply personal aspect, their meaning and appeal are universal. These are things that we have all experienced, and being allowed to view them from the perspective of an artist as talented as this is a gift and a blessing. These songs are deeply moving and philosophical without ever coming across as heavy-handed or self-centered - and their honesty will take your breath away.

Laurie's voice is strong and confident - and her musical imagination is astounding, allowing her to meld lyrics and melody into compositions that remain in my mind and heart long after the cd has finished. This is a recording I have found myself returning to again and again - it's one that is timeless in the finest way.

I've only been fortunate to hear Laurie Freelove perform in person once - but it's an experience I'll never forget, and one that I hope I'll be able to repeat one day. In the meantime, I have this recording - and others - to enjoy time and time again.