Last Of The True Believers, The - Nanci Griffith

Advantages: Beautiful songs, lot of variety
Disadvantages: A couple of songs don't meet the standard of the rest

...As a longtime fan of Nanci I rushed out and bought this CD on the day of release. Although I was a bit unsure of it at first, it's now one of my favourites. The mood is varied from the opening title track, a sad lyric about life drifting by through to the closing cover of a "In the wee small hours" a song made famous by Frank Sinatra. Between these two there are songs about the Vietnam war, photographer Dickie Chapelle, Nanci's mother and my personal favourie, "Shaking Out the Snow". This slightly bizarre number sees Nanci employing an unusual vocal technique as she sings about her frozen heart. No-one listening to the rest of the album will really believe she's the cold character she portrays but it's still a great song. All in all, Nanci Griffith fans will have this CD already - if you haven't had the pleasure of hearing her... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Moving, beautiful harmonies and solos.
Disadvantages: Not everyone likes jazz

...the pieces are pretty similar; it is true that there are no drastic contrasts of mood throughout, but this can be said to give the album a consistent theme, as all compositions relate to its title in some way. Each piece is superbly graceful; each contains an unfailingly lucid piano solo. ‘The Peacocks’ carries its own wistfulness, ‘B minor Waltz’ its unique melody, and the last piece on the album is the delightful theme from M.A.S.H (‘Suicide is Painless.’) This is a particular treat, as Evans takes the generally ordinary, unjazzy theme of the old TV sitcom and develops its harmonies and style into a vibrant, lilting arrangement that nicely concludes the album, and also conveys the splendour of spring! Alongside ‘Waltz For Debby’ and ‘Portraits in Jazz,’ this is one of the finest albums in Evans’ career. He proved himself a great innovator... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Not a fiddle or a banjo in sight
Disadvantages: One or two country music clichés

...on the album. Cantrell writes four of the 12 songs here. A talent for observant lyrics and affecting tunes shines through on 'Queen of the Coast', with its mandolin, pedal steel and narrative about the decline of a singing star. Her voice and way with a melody are reminiscent of Nanci Griffith on this song, especially in the higher register. 'Churches Off the Interstate' bustles along, pitter-patter drums and busy guitars driving her tale of stoic self-reliance in the face of a broken relationship. Elsewhere, the songs veer into folky pop. 'Little Bit of You' is a gently swinging song with subtle melodica and a pretty melody about a lover who doesn't want to force the pace: "Don't want to smother you, uncover you..." she sings. 'Two Seconds' is a gentle ballad of devotion with softly plucked mandolin. 'Pile of Woe' and 'Do You Ever Think... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful