preview-release
Lisa Knapp : Wild and Undaunted (UK,rec.2006)****'
“Blacksmith”, has a convincing and very nice singing technique and interpretation with beautiful vibrations (based upon English folk traditions) in her voice. The group arranged here more or less minimal-oscillating chamber arrangements. On “There u r” Here Lisa Knapp reveals a different and even more personal way of singing, with once more nice vibrations in the voice and a personal emotional strength. Also when crying out loud this isn’t the cry of a spoiled or materialistic child or fashion pop singer, but there is a deliberate focus that penetrates in different directions. “Beggar Beggar” is sweeter and soulful. All other tracks keep the strong middle between these personal soulful expressions and skills matured in folk music. Melodically folk can come to mind, always with its own soul. I cannot always tell whether some songs are interpreted traditionals or self-penned inspirations. This happened also with the last track, “Salisbury Plain” which is sung a-capella, with elves-like voices mumbling and singing like unconscious entities on background.*
A strong debut and a skilful young voice with its own personal uniqueness, beauty and variety. I hope Lisa will never lose the characteristic of what she’s doing here and proves to be vividly soulful with it, on this album. She has all the qualities that could make her recognised by a wider public.
-Will be published by 'Ear To The Ground Records' in March 2007-
* Bob Theil remembered how Saffron Summerfield recorded an album called "Salisbury Plain", which was named after a song with the same title. Saffron told me that in this case this was her own song, not the traditional. Bob wished this album should be reissued, and it seems it has been, on Saffron's own label www.motherearthmusic.co.uk. Reviews on next page
