Customer Reviews

The Water Lily

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Thrilled to see this reissued

I first heard this in 1977 and have loved it ever since. I'm thrilled to see it reissued as a CD ! Now I don't have to keep playing the worn out LP!.

The beauty of this album is stunning. Heardman's wonderful voice and music are perfectly suited to the words of one of Down Under's great poets . Each song tells a heart felt story and they are so finely crafted, you'd swear she was singing old classic folk tunes..and actually she is! They were instant classics in '77 and their appeal is timeless. Get it!

I recently stumbled onto this lady's version of 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' on YouTube, and bought this CD only to have her exquisite presentation of that classic. What a bonus that there are so many other outstanding tracks, all of which conspire to earn it five stars. I hadn't previously heard of her (this album dates back to 1976), but she is now up there with the likes of Judith Durham ('The Seekers'), Loreena McKennit, Kate Bush, Enya, and several others in my pantheon of muses.
I have heard many versions of 'Matilda' over the years (being an ex-Australian soldier myself), and I have to say that Priscilla's is without a doubt the best of them. Besides 'Matilda', Priscilla's presentations of 'The Water Lily' and Scotland's 'Jock o' Hazeldean' are sure to haunt me for many years.
The CD jacket contains brief explanations of the songs' origins, with credit to the original writers. Many are poems by Australia's 'People's Poet', Henry Lawson, and other poets of British and Australian origin; she has done their work great justice.
If you like any of the other vocalists I have mentioned here, this CD will surely not disappoint you.

I love this album. Priscilla Herdman's voice is gorgeous and the songs are melodic and beautiful. I haven't heard any of her other albums so I can't compare it to her other work, but I highly recommend this CD.

What a wonderful voice and, a little birdie tells me, a wonderful person to match. Pricilla will have you in tears when you hear "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda". The "Drover's Sweetheart" is also a favorite, but the entire CD is magical. I also have Moondreamer. If you love The Water Lily, you'll love Moondreamer also.

All of Priscilla Herdman's albums are worth owning, though some are, in my opinion, a bit overproduced. This is the gem and truly one of the most beautiful albums you will ever hear. The songs, most based on poems of Henry Lawson, form a coherent arc which stays with you. The tasteful playing, by great musicians, is always just enough to enhance each song but without unnecessary flamboyance. Her voice, always beautiful, is completely at one with the songs. Having bought this album when it was released on vinyl, the cd release was a wonderful surprise. A great, great album and one for the ages.

This CD is one of the best choices I have ever made. A true artist I feel will make it to the top!

Extraordinary!

How is it that I am just learning about Priscilla Herdman? At first, when I first heard her on Pandora Radio, I thought I was listening to Joan Baez. Her voice is gorgeous, the songs memorable. I immediately had to have Water Lily and I am entranced. My next pruchase was The Road Home. Now I am deciding which of her albums to get next.

The strength and passion of "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" makes this recording a worthwhile purchase. It will break your heart. Oh, yeah, my daughter would hurt me if I didn't mention the heartfelt effort in "Water Lily".
Enjoy.

Priscilla Herdman is magnificent in this album. I first bought it as an LP in the 70's. It is the only album I have in LP, casette tape and CD. The love songs-"Do You Think That I do Not Know", "Reedy River", "The Bush Girl"- touched my heart. Her tender voice made me nostalgic for lost love. "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is one of the great anti-war songs, and her wonderful voice brings the horrors of war alive, but she talks about families and lovers as if it were a love song to humanity. All the rest are as meaningful. One of the best albums with one of the best voices.

Priscilla Herdman has a beautiful folksinger's voice and many of these songs were beautiful and poignant. I particularly like Water Lilly, Dancing at Whitsun, and Andy's Gone With Cattle. Other songs weren't my favorites such as Old Wooley and Reedy River.

Overall, I liked it. Would recommend for folk enthusiasts or those who like traditional ballads.