http://www.revealrecords.co.uk
Woodstock vocalist Simi Stone is no stranger to these shores, the lady having toured here with Simone Felice as part of Duke & The King (2007-2009) as they lit up the stages of individual shows and festivals alike. I recall them performing at the Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Weekend to put on a stunning show at the city’s oldest and most famous drinking hole, Kyteler’s Bar. Any one lucky enough to be likewise present will no doubt tell you the same such was the band’s captivating performance that afternoon.
As for Stone, her soulful tones complete with stout production and own violin and acoustic guitar alongside major contributions from Zachary Alford (drums), David Barron (piano, Moog 3p, Arp Omni, B3, Minimoog bass), Danny Blume (electric, baritone electric guitar, bass), Sara Lee (bass, harmony vocals) plus on a bunch of songs that lean heavily on spirited soul pop makes an impressive solo recording debut. Her vocals are pure, unforced and something of a throwback to days of old, as snappy rhythms embellish her tones and songs that embrace the joys and hang-ups of everyday life. A class act, Stone vies effortlessly between songs of a reflective nature to those where in celebratory fashion she sings praise of the love of her life. That is not all, she does a sterling cover of a lady she has opened for and performed in her band, Natalie Merchant’s “Don’t Come Back”; a clever number that speaks of how no matter what she does or says for him not to return on arguably the strongest track on the record. Only just, because Stone’s own “Good Friend” and bouncy pop delight “Benny” and with her turning on the class “All the People” oozes quality of the highest order.
While one or two tracks “Got It All” and soul powered “Bitches Fly” are slow burners on others Stone’s voice could have been better used with less instead of more in the production, otherwise she delivers a pleasing set of songs (and as noted no little class). Are we now going to see her back over touring?
Maurice Hope