Introducing...Ruth Trimble (EP) - Ruth Trimble

Introducing...Ruth Trimble  (EP)

Ruth Trimble

Tracks: 5


Derry native Ruth Trimble was an unknown name to me until I saw her play with Beth Nielsen Chapman on her recent tour.  Wanting to share her talents, Beth also had Ruth perform one of her own songs- she certainly wowed.

Classically trained in piano and cello from a young age, Ruth only developed her passion for music when she decided she held a preference for playing by ear. Since then, she has taught herself to play an impressive variety of instrument; guitar, drums, and bass.

In 2008, Ruth invested in some recording equipment, resulting in the production of this, her debut EP which was released this past Februarry.  It features Grammy-nominated Will Owsley playing guitar, Ruth having  met Will through her connections to singer songwriter Amy Grant, with whom he was touring at the time.

Ruth’s EP comprises five tracks; four she wrote herself.  The opening track. Tonight, is a story of heartbreak and regret, Ruth’s beautiful voice filled with raw emotion.  The pensive You Took My Heart comprises simple yet stunning piano accompaniment and Goodbye just cuts straight to the heart. Fighter is a more upbeat, hopeful song, with a country, rather than folk, sound, showing a different depth to Ruth’s vocal. This is perhaps my favourite on the EP.  I Want to Hold Your Hand is a striking version of The Beatle’s song, which respectfully makes it entirely her own. It was penned, way back when, by Lennon and McCartney; fitting then that I should be reviewing this EP on what would have been Lennon’s 70th  birthday.  I hope that coincidence is a sign that this EP is just the beginning for Ruth Trimble and that her debut CD release will bring her the greater recognition she deserves.

NB Ruth's EP is currently available to download from iTunes, or hard copies can be ordered directly by sending an e-mail to info@ruthtrimble.com

Celilo Falls - Rachel Harrington

Celilo Falls

Rachel Harrington

Tracks: 13

www.myspace.com/rachelharrington

www.rachelharrington.bandcamp.com

So, those of us here in the UK and Europe are lucky – Rachel Harrington’s brand new CD, Celilo Falls

 [pronounced suh-LIE-low], is released here in November, then in the USA in January 2011. 

This new offering is Oregon born (but living in Seattle, when not on tour in the UK and Europe for three months every summer) Rachel’s fourth CD in four years  (her third ‘official’ release).  Whilst ostensibly still a wonderful melting pot of of Americana, folk, country and even blues and Gospel, there is no denying that Rachel has taken a new direction, and perhaps her biggest leap of faith with this album. Namely, that leap of faith was advice given her years ago by  ace Boston singer songwriter Lori McKenna, to write from the heart about what she really felt, to write about her own personal experience.  Rachel listened to the advice, thought it through, then filed it away...until now.  Recalling that advice has resulted in the most emotional songwriting and the most stunning delivery yet from Ms Harrington, on a CD which puts her in a whole new place.

The title is intriguing; Celilo Falls takes its name from a stretch of waterfalls along the Columbia River that divides the states of Oregon and Washington. Since the building of the giant Dalles dam in the early ‘50’s, the once raging and bountiful Celilo Falls has been completely buried, submerged under the backwater of progress. The significance, Rachel has said is in that not only is this album a trip into this Western landscape, taking us back in time maybe 100 years, but that a  lot of this record is, for her, about what lies beneath. Thus it has become a musical juxtaposition of concepts.

The musicianship on this CD is simply wonderful, from Ronnie McCoury (Del McCoury Band), Rod Clements (Lindisfarne, and her touring partner in the UK and Europe during summer 2010), Dan Salini (Atomic Deluxe, Doug Wintch), Colby Sander, and Jon Hamar. Together they add a richness to the sound of every song, whilst allowing Rachel’s beautiful, soulful voice to shine through the spaces between them.

I can’t fault any of the songs included on the CD, but have to give first mention to the beautiful Goodbye Amsterdam, possibly my favourite of all she has written thus far.  Basically it is about going back to places you shared with someone in your life, but they aren’t there anymore and seem to haunt those places.   Exquisite and surely anyone who has lost someone they love will relate to the aching in her vocal. You’ll Do, is almost tongue in cheek, very much reminding me of Elizabeth Cook’s more ‘playful’ songs.  Rachel often speaks of her upbringing by right wing Pentecostalists; she has pondered how she ever became a folk singer, before determining that she thinks this explains her love of Gospel music. This has resulted in a beautiful Gospel song which she wrote for the CD, He Started Building My Mansion in Heaven Today, inspired by a comment her grandfather made to her.  Just beautiful.  Little Pink is another fantastic song , as is House of Cards, with its real bluegrass sound, and Here in My Bed is likely to resonate with a lot of people.

I could say more, but really, you need to hear this collection of songs to appreciate just how stunning a CD it is; it has fallen straight into my top CD of 2010 slot and hasn’t been out of my CD player since it arrived.  If there is any justice in the world,  Celilo Falls will find its place among the best material out there and make Rachel Harrington a name more people recognise.  Give it a spin on your player, or at least on the free listening bandcamp page  - if not You Don’t Know what you’re missing.

When the Time Comes – Eilidh Patterson

When the Time Comes – Eilidh Patterson

Tracks: 12

Eilidh Patterson was an unknown name to me until I saw her play with Beth Nielsen Chapman on her recent tour.  Clearly having recognised her talents, Beth also had Eilidh perform one of her own songs- I wonder how many ‘wows’ were emitted night after night.

Eilidh Patterson hails from Derry in Northern  Ireland and When The Time Comes is her debut CD, expertly produced by none other than U2's sound engineer, Alastair McMillan. Written over a period of seven years, the CD has a distinctly folk sound, yet carries a modern twist.

What is immediately striking is the purity of Elidh’s voice; you could listen to her sing for hours. Moving On, the first single from the album, was inspired at a time when Eilidh was thinking of moving from Derry to Belfast a few years ago. It’s a song about being content with change – something I suspect many of us grapple with.  Precious Cargo speaks of longing, many will connect with the loss explored in Letting Go (not to be confused with the Suzy Bogguss/ Doug Crider song of the same title – this was written by Eilidh) Do I Eve Cross Your Mind was inspired when watching a Willie Nelson gig in Austin, Texas a couple of years ago.  Ostensibly lamenting a lost love, it is lyrically quite brilliant, even incorporating other well known song titles.  You Are There touches on the idea of faith, and It’s Easy is full of the joy evoked when embarking upon a new relationship. 

However, for me, the absolute standout track is the beautiful Still Learning. The idea for the song was planted when Eilidh received a copper plaque from a friend, inscribed with the quote; I Am Still Learning" - Michaelangelo.  Articulately written, it begins with the perspective of a baby learning to walk then moves through to adulthood. It is particularly evident in this song what a fine wordsmith Eilidh is, and at times she uses words and lines worthy of a Gretchen Peters or Beth Nielsen Chapman song.

This is one of the strongest debut CDs I have had the pleasure of listening to and am already looking forward to seeing what else Eilidh Patterson has in store. For now, this CD belongs in everyone’s collection, as I suspect that I am still learning, as are the rest of her fans, what her talents truly are.

When the Time Comes – Eilidh Patterson

When the Time Comes – Eilidh Patterson

Celilo Falls - Rachel Harrington

Celilo Falls

Rachel Harrington

Tracks: 13

www.myspace.com/rachelharrington

www.rachelharrington.bandcamp.com

So, those of us here in the UK and Europe are lucky – Rachel Harrington’s brand new CD, Celilo Falls

 [pronounced suh-LIE-low], is released here in November, then in the USA in January 2011. 

This new offering is Oregon born (but living in Seattle, when not on tour in the UK and Europe for three months every summer) Rachel’s fourth CD in four years  (her third ‘official’ release).  Whilst ostensibly still a wonderful melting pot of of Americana, folk, country and even blues and Gospel, there is no denying that Rachel has taken a new direction, and perhaps her biggest leap of faith with this album. Namely, that leap of faith was advice given her years ago by  ace Boston singer songwriter Lori McKenna, to write from the heart about what she really felt, to write about her own personal experience.  Rachel listened to the advice, thought it through, then filed it away...until now.  Recalling that advice has resulted in the most emotional songwriting and the most stunning delivery yet from Ms Harrington, on a CD which puts her in a whole new place.

The title is intriguing; Celilo Falls takes its name from a stretch of waterfalls along the Columbia River that divides the states of Oregon and Washington. Since the building of the giant Dalles dam in the early ‘50’s, the once raging and bountiful Celilo Falls has been completely buried, submerged under the backwater of progress. The significance, Rachel has said is in that not only is this album a trip into this Western landscape, taking us back in time maybe 100 years, but that a  lot of this record is, for her, about what lies beneath. Thus it has become a musical juxtaposition of concepts.

The musicianship on this CD is simply wonderful, from Ronnie McCoury (Del McCoury Band), Rod Clements (Lindisfarne, and her touring partner in the UK and Europe during summer 2010), Dan Salini (Atomic Deluxe, Doug Wintch), Colby Sander, and Jon Hamar. Together they add a richness to the sound of every song, whilst allowing Rachel’s beautiful, soulful voice to shine through the spaces between them.

I can’t fault any of the songs included on the CD, but have to give first mention to the beautiful Goodbye Amsterdam, possibly my favourite of all she has written thus far.  Basically it is about going back to places you shared with someone in your life, but they aren’t there anymore and seem to haunt those places.   Exquisite and surely anyone who has lost someone they love will relate to the aching in her vocal. You’ll Do, is almost tongue in cheek, very much reminding me of Elizabeth Cook’s more ‘playful’ songs.  Rachel often speaks of her upbringing by right wing Pentecostalists; she has pondered how she ever became a folk singer, before determining that she thinks this explains her love of Gospel music. This has resulted in a beautiful Gospel song which she wrote for the CD, He Started Building My Mansion in Heaven Today, inspired by a comment her grandfather made to her.  Just beautiful.  Little Pink is another fantastic song , as is House of Cards, with its real bluegrass sound, and Here in My Bed is likely to resonate with a lot of people.

I could say more, but really, you need to hear this collection of songs to appreciate just how stunning a CD it is; it has fallen straight into my top CD of 2010 slot and hasn’t been out of my CD player since it arrived.  If there is any justice in the world,  Celilo Falls will find its place among the best material out there and make Rachel Harrington a name more people recognise.  Give it a spin on your player, or at least on the free listening bandcamp page  - if not You Don’t Know what you’re missing.

Peppermint Radio – Kate Walsh

Peppermint Radio – Kate Walsh

Tracks: 11

www.myspace.com/katewalsh

I will begin with an interesting fact:  singer songwriter Kate Walsh is the only unsigned artist ever to have had a number one album on the iTunes chart. Not to mention that she has played with Mark Knopfler and had songs featured on Grey’s Anatomy.  Thus it is something of a mystery to me that she is not better known.  Her fourth CD, Peppermint Radio, has possibly the best title I’ve heard all year.   It is a  compliation of covers of songs from the 1980s and  1990s; as these songs were from her childhood, Walsh chose the album name because, as a child, she used to make believe that  her sewing machine was a mixing deck and that she was working on a radio station named Peppermint Radio.

Admittedly I am not usually a big fan over cover songs, much less whole albums of them, yet something about this CD undoubtedly works.   Perhaps the greatest reason for this is that they are not all obvious songs which hold a risk of becoming tacky; rather, they are songs which clearly hold meaning for Kate herself. This certainly comes through in her delivery. From Erasure’s A Little Respect to Blur’s Beetlebum, by way of Duran Duran’s Save a Prayer to EMF’s  Unbelievable, it is evident that there was a conscious decision not to attempt to mimick or recreate the original version.  Rather, Walsh opted to pay these songs the ultimate honour, and has made them entirely her own.  Thus the songs are not only kept fresh for the listener, we are given the chance to rediscover and appreciate them in a whole new way. That, in my opinion, should earn both Kate Walsh and Peppermint Radio, more than just A Little Respect!

NB Kate Walsh is touring in support of Peppermint Radio during November. Information and dates available at: www.katewalsh.co.uk

Murphy's Heart - Thea Gilmore

Thea Gilmore – Murphy’s Heart

Tracks: 13

www.myspace.com/theagilmore

With a career spanning 13 years, 11 albums, 3 EPs and 9 singles of articulate, emotionally truthful music,  Oxford-born singer songwriter Thea Gilmore has always received critical acclaim but never achieved the commercial success most of us believe her to be well overdue.  Uncut magazine has described her as '"the best British singer-songwriter of the last 10 years...and then some"    That said, there have been times where she has turned down big label offers, in a bid to retain her artistic integrity and for that I say good on her.

The first thing to mention about Murphy’s Heart, is the cover art; the second, the crystal clear production; from Thea’s vocals to the brass and horns.  The third  is the excellent musicianship from the band, including Thea’s husband/ producer Nigel Stonier. That’s before we even get to Thea’s singing. There are often times when Thea brings to mind such greats as Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, in both her lyrics and her delivery. God's Got Nothing On You showcases Thea’s stunning vocals and Love's the Greatest Instrument of Rage is faster paced folk, highlighting the well known political edge to Thea’s songs. Automatic Blue is a laidback drive through the American Midwest, whilst Teach me to be bad takes on an upbeat country sound. You're the Radio  is already proving to be a hit with radio, gaining much airplay. Jazz Hands is quirky and almost playful, whilst Not Alone is a striking ballad. Due South,  Coffee and Roses and That’s How the Love gets in are exquisite; Mexico works its magic with repeated listens and Wondrous Thing is just that, a wonderful, jazz infused closing track.  There is no doubt that Thea’s music has grown, perhaps as a result of marriage and motherhood, perhaps as a result of maturity.  After all, she was only eighteen when her first CD was released.  That said, it blows my mind that she is only thirty, the same age as me, and I can’t wait to see where her music continues to grow to.  For now though, I shall be enjoying Murphy’s Heart, and suggest you all give yourselves a chance to do the same.  Then, until her time comes, as it invariably will, we can enjoy being in on the secret that is Thea Gilmore.

NB Thea Gilmore will be playing at The Sage, Gateshead, as part of her UK tour, on December 18^th 2010.  Tickets from www.sagegateshead.org

Murphy's Heart - Thea Gilmore

Thea Gilmore – Murphy’s Heart

Tracks: 13

www.myspace.com/theagilmore

With a career spanning 13 years, 11 albums, 3 EPs and 9 singles of articulate, emotionally truthful music,  Oxford-born singer songwriter Thea Gilmore has always received critical acclaim but never achieved the commercial success most of us believe her to be well overdue.  Uncut magazine has described her as '"the best British singer-songwriter of the last 10 years...and then some"    That said, there have been times where she has turned down big label offers, in a bid to retain her artistic integrity and for that I say good on her.

The first thing to mention about Murphy’s Heart, is the cover art; the second, the crystal clear production; from Thea’s vocals to the brass and horns.  The third  is the excellent musicianship from the band, including Thea’s husband/ producer Nigel Stonier. That’s before we even get to Thea’s singing. There are often times when Thea brings to mind such greats as Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, in both her lyrics and her delivery. God's Got Nothing On You showcases Thea’s stunning vocals and Love's the Greatest Instrument of Rage is faster paced folk, highlighting the well known political edge to Thea’s songs. Automatic Blue is a laidback drive through the American Midwest, whilst Teach me to be bad takes on an upbeat country sound. You're the Radio  is already proving to be a hit with radio, gaining much airplay. Jazz Hands is quirky and almost playful, whilst Not Alone is a striking ballad. Due South,  Coffee and Roses and That’s How the Love gets in are exquisite; Mexico works its magic with repeated listens and Wondrous Thing is just that, a wonderful, jazz infused closing track.  There is no doubt that Thea’s music has grown, perhaps as a result of marriage and motherhood, perhaps as a result of maturity.  After all, she was only eighteen when her first CD was released.  That said, it blows my mind that she is only thirty, the same age as me, and I can’t wait to see where her music continues to grow to.  For now though, I shall be enjoying Murphy’s Heart, and suggest you all give yourselves a chance to do the same.  Then, until her time comes, as it invariably will, we can enjoy being in on the secret that is Thea Gilmore.

NB Thea Gilmore will be playing at The Sage, Gateshead, as part of her UK tour, on December 18^th 2010.  Tickets from www.sagegateshead.org

Murphy's Heart - Thea Gilmore

Thea Gilmore – Murphy’s Heart

Tracks: 13

www.myspace.com/theagilmore

With a career spanning 13 years, 11 albums, 3 EPs and 9 singles of articulate, emotionally truthful music,  Oxford-born singer songwriter Thea Gilmore has always received critical acclaim but never achieved the commercial success most of us believe her to be well overdue.  Uncut magazine has described her as '"the best British singer-songwriter of the last 10 years...and then some"    That said, there have been times where she has turned down big label offers, in a bid to retain her artistic integrity and for that I say good on her.

The first thing to mention about Murphy’s Heart, is the cover art; the second, the crystal clear production; from Thea’s vocals to the brass and horns.  The third  is the excellent musicianship from the band, including Thea’s husband/ producer Nigel Stonier. That’s before we even get to Thea’s singing. There are often times when Thea brings to mind such greats as Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, in both her lyrics and her delivery. God's Got Nothing On You showcases Thea’s stunning vocals and Love's the Greatest Instrument of Rage is faster paced folk, highlighting the well known political edge to Thea’s songs. Automatic Blue is a laidback drive through the American Midwest, whilst Teach me to be bad takes on an upbeat country sound. You're the Radio  is already proving to be a hit with radio, gaining much airplay. Jazz Hands is quirky and almost playful, whilst Not Alone is a striking ballad. Due South,  Coffee and Roses and That’s How the Love gets in are exquisite; Mexico works its magic with repeated listens and Wondrous Thing is just that, a wonderful, jazz infused closing track.  There is no doubt that Thea’s music has grown, perhaps as a result of marriage and motherhood, perhaps as a result of maturity.  After all, she was only eighteen when her first CD was released.  That said, it blows my mind that she is only thirty, the same age as me, and I can’t wait to see where her music continues to grow to.  For now though, I shall be enjoying Murphy’s Heart, and suggest you all give yourselves a chance to do the same.  Then, until her time comes, as it invariably will, we can enjoy being in on the secret that is Thea Gilmore.

NB Thea Gilmore will be playing at The Sage, Gateshead, as part of her UK tour, on December 18^th 2010.  Tickets from www.sagegateshead.org

Murphy's Heart - Thea Gilmore

Thea Gilmore – Murphy’s Heart

Tracks: 13

www.myspace.com/theagilmore

With a career spanning 13 years, 11 albums, 3 EPs and 9 singles of articulate, emotionally truthful music,  Oxford-born singer songwriter Thea Gilmore has always received critical acclaim but never achieved the commercial success most of us believe her to be well overdue.  Uncut magazine has described her as '"the best British singer-songwriter of the last 10 years...and then some"    That said, there have been times where she has turned down big label offers, in a bid to retain her artistic integrity and for that I say good on her.

The first thing to mention about Murphy’s Heart, is the cover art; the second, the crystal clear production; from Thea’s vocals to the brass and horns.  The third  is the excellent musicianship from the band, including Thea’s husband/ producer Nigel Stonier. That’s before we even get to Thea’s singing. There are often times when Thea brings to mind such greats as Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, in both her lyrics and her delivery. God's Got Nothing On You showcases Thea’s stunning vocals and Love's the Greatest Instrument of Rage is faster paced folk, highlighting the well known political edge to Thea’s songs. Automatic Blue is a laidback drive through the American Midwest, whilst Teach me to be bad takes on an upbeat country sound. You're the Radio  is already proving to be a hit with radio, gaining much airplay. Jazz Hands is quirky and almost playful, whilst Not Alone is a striking ballad. Due South,  Coffee and Roses and That’s How the Love gets in are exquisite; Mexico works its magic with repeated listens and Wondrous Thing is just that, a wonderful, jazz infused closing track.  There is no doubt that Thea’s music has grown, perhaps as a result of marriage and motherhood, perhaps as a result of maturity.  After all, she was only eighteen when her first CD was released.  That said, it blows my mind that she is only thirty, the same age as me, and I can’t wait to see where her music continues to grow to.  For now though, I shall be enjoying Murphy’s Heart, and suggest you all give yourselves a chance to do the same.  Then, until her time comes, as it invariably will, we can enjoy being in on the secret that is Thea Gilmore.

NB Thea Gilmore will be playing at The Sage, Gateshead, as part of her UK tour, on December 18^th 2010.  Tickets from www.sagegateshead.org

Otis Gibbs – Joe Hill’s Ashes

Otis Gibbs – Joe Hill’s Ashes

Tracks: 12

Otis Gibbs has been described as  ‘a man in search of an honest experience.’  As someone who has only recently discovered Otis Gibbs, I found his story fascinating. a man who has planted over 7,000 trees, slept in hobo jungles, walked with nomadic shepherds in the Carpathian Mountains, been strip-searched by dirty cops in Detroit, and even has an FBI file.  He has, it seems, spent the last fifteen years traveling across America and abroad documenting this world, and has a story to share about each stop along the way.  Many of those stories, have, through the songs they inspired, found their way onto this CD.

This is combination of messages, political and personal, and explores how the two are often inextricably linked. The title track is excellent and inspired me to go and read about Joe Hill. The stirring Twelve Men Dead in Sago and Outdated, Frustrated and Blue share a common, if moving theme;  the decline of industrial America.  Anyone who has travelled in the States will immediately recall places they have been on listening to these two tracks; Butte, Montana was the first to register with me.

The Town That Killed Kennedy brings to mind Tom Waits, Walked Out in the River takes on a spiritual sound  whilst  Where Only the Graves are Real ponders the concept of those people who are genuine when one achieves fame.  Other stand out tracks are Something More and My New Mind.

Somewhat dark in tone at times, there is something about this CD that just makes you want to listen.  Whether that be the stories, his voice, or both, I am not entirely sure. Perhaps that is the magic of it.  A little like those he brings to mind; Sam Baker, Tom Waits, even Tom Russell, you love it and you want more but you have no idea why.  Wait – yes you do – because it is great.

Joe Hill's Ashes - Otis Gibbs

Otis Gibbs has been described as  ‘a man in search of an honest experience.’  As someone who has only recently discovered Otis Gibbs, I found his story fascinating. a man who has planted over 7,000 trees, slept in hobo jungles, walked with nomadic shepherds in the Carpathian Mountains, been strip-searched by dirty cops in Detroit, and even has an FBI file.  He has, it seems, spent the last fifteen years traveling across America and abroad documenting this world, and has a story to share about each stop along the way.  Many of those stories, have, through the songs they inspired, found their way onto this CD.

This is combination of messages, political and personal, and explores how the two are often inextricably linked. The title track is excellent and inspired me to go and read about Joe Hill. The stirring Twelve Men Dead in Sago and Outdated, Frustrated and Blue share a common, if moving theme;  the decline of industrial America.  Anyone who has travelled in the States will immediately recall places they have been on listening to these two tracks; Butte, Montana was the first to register with me.

The Town That Killed Kennedy brings to mind Tom Waits, Walked Out in the River takes on a spiritual sound  whilst  Where Only the Graves are Real ponders the concept of those people who are genuine when one achieves fame.  Other stand out tracks are Something More and My New Mind.

Somewhat dark in tone at times, there is something about this CD that just makes you want to listen.  Again and again. Whether that be the stories, his voice, or both, I am not entirely sure. Perhaps that is the magic of it.  A little like those he brings to mind; Sam Baker, Tom Waits, even Tom Russell, you love it and you want more but you have no idea why.  Wait – yes you do – because it is great.

Forty Schmorty!....Life Keeps Happening – Conversations with Mattie and Eve by Mattie Mills and Eve Selis

Forty Schmorty!....Life Keeps Happening – Conversations with Mattie and Eve

Mattie Mills and Eve Selis

www.fortyschmorty.com

The Blurb:

When a woman hits 40 our culture tells us that the little black cloud has appeared over our heads. It's time to slow down, fatten up and start walking funny. You know what we say? FORTY Schmorty!  If 20 is sexy and fresh and talented, we're TWICE as 20! We're wiser, tougher, smarter, twice as skilled and twice as sexy. 40 over the hill? Not by a long shot. You better make it 80, 'cause we're the youngest of the Baby Boomers and we've got some serious bang left.

Let’s begin by saying that it is a lovely change to be reviewing a book, especially one related to music – my two loves converge!

Mattie Mills and Eve Selis are best friends.  Both are well known on the San Diego music scene.  Eve Selis, of course is well known to UK audiences for her frequent tours and Americana Roadhouse Rock.   Most of those audiences, will probably also recall having heard Eve mention Mattie, during a show, most recently in relation to the pink streaks in her hair. 

Both are married, both have been married before, both are mothers.  Both have experienced loss and childbirth and both gave birth during their forties.  Oh and both have been forty!  This was the fact which triggered the idea to write this book.  Literally, Mattie’s transcriptions of recorded conversations between the two women, it is truly unique. 

During the course of the book, they touch on issues such as parents, children, friendships, faith, hopes and dreams and health, all with an incredible honesty, pathos and humour.  Then, in the middle of the book project, Mattie discovered she had breast cancer and the two women very candidly share their thoughts and experiences during that journey.  With equal honesty, meaningful quotes and personal insight, they share Eve’s journey to the birth of her son Henry (who many of her Uk fans met as a bump one tour!)

Living proof that life doesn’t stop at forty (a relief to me now embarking on my thirties, knowing forty schmorty is the next big one!) this is a book that should be read by all women and passed  on to all their female friends (and maybe even the men in  your life, to give them a glimpse into the female psyche...)  The overwhelming feeling is that of having listened, not to singers but to friends, talking in your front room; friends who, by the end of the book, feel like your friends too.

‘Forty Schmorty!’ can be ordered direct at www.fortyschmorty.com, where, incidentally, in addition to their book, the duo blogs about their and offer merchandise including BBQ aprons, tote bags, and string thongs, all emblazoned with the FortySchmorty logo.