
Image © 1992
Mereminne Productions
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(02 April 2000) Musical Discoveries' editorial staff regularly compare new
and emerging vocal talents to Kate Bush. From Philadelphia, "A host of
multicultural influences come into play in Lacy James' debut album
Lovefeast (Merriminne Productions (USA) MM001, 1992). Similar
in nature—but not necessarily in style—to singers like Ofra Haza,
Sinead O'Connor and Enya, James' style is delicate and ethereal,
with a molten core and a clear, strong delivery." Another reviewer
wrote, "James includes various musical styles, mostly Middle Eastern,
on the Lovefeast album, and her voice does remind us of Kate
Bush, to whom she's been complimentarily compared."
Her music is dramatic and dreaming with vocals soaring above the
atmostpheric instrumentals that mix a variety of ethnic nuances
into the arrangements. Like Kate Bush, Lacy James is also a professional
dancer. You can find audio samples
at her official
or
mp3.com website.
While not all of James' songs will elicit "soundalike" comments from Kate
Bush enthusiasts, certainly the tracks "Foolish Heart/The AntlerCrown" and
"Moon Of Fire" will do so. Soaring vocals join effective instrumental
arrangements and crisp percussion to inspire the listener and delight
female vocal enthusiasts. We found the title track equally inspiring
with layer upon layer of vocal with effective but less thoroughly arranged
sparse instrumentals. Many of the other tracks draw on world sounds of
various cultural origins and include the rhythmic "Silverback" and sparse
"Badful Badful (The Stolen Child)."
We were reminded of Julee Cruise in Lacy's track "White Lion" with its
vocal musings, light instrumentals and soft overall arrangements.
One of the most enjoyable tracks on the album is the rocking tune
"Vengeance Is Mine." Here, lush instrumental arrangements accompany
crisp production and stunning soaring vocal work in a very evocative and
pop rock-oriented number much like we've heard from German artists Chandeen
(review). "Song Of Songs" on the other hand
might be more favourably compared to the gothic-oriented sounds of Love Is
Colder Than Death with vocals soaring way above sparse yet rhythmic
instrumentals. "In The Garden" is performed much in the accessible
style of "Vengeance Is Mine" combining many of the artist's influences
into a highly accessible and melodic result. Soaring Kate Bush-style
vocals join rich instrumental arrangements and interesting effects. The
album concludes with the lovely track "O Master," most reminscent of
Julee Cruise in both vocal and instrumental arrangements and certain
to please ethereal female vocal enthusiasts.
You can order Lacy James' album Lovefeast at
amazon.com. The music and dance of Lacy James are certainly worth
further exploration, especially for Kate Bush and Julee Cruise fans.
Soundbites available at her official and mp3.com websites provide an
excellent platform to begin the journey. Worth further exploration, her
debut album contains ten well-produced tracks of varying textures certain
to please discerning listeners—a very nice listen!
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