Names/Fargo Rec. 
Alela Diane : To Be Still (US,2009)****
Where Alela’s debut had some songs that immediately tracked attention, her Headless Heroes album was mainly a cover album, in a particular style of interpretation, this new album with touches of new Americana arrangements (violin improvisations, steel slide guitar) demands a closer listen in a personal research for your own point of stillness. This is about nostalgically drifting and going and falling back into the conditions of warmth and with relatives, of finding homes and comfort, and recognising its soul driven natural surroundings (mountain/canyon/seashore) where for Alela some harmonious and peaceful stillness can be found relatively easily, despite its restless nature bringing her elsewhere the contrasts are a mixture of what brings sadness and joy. Immediately catchy is the sort of Indian call and melody that can be heard on “White as diamonds”. The track also includes a small additional orchestration. Elsewhere it drifts back to what comes easily and what disappears in time and perspective. A next level for a circle songbook.
