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 18th 2010. Tickets from www.sagegateshead.org
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