Barbara
Black
Ad
Libitum
As
a cloudy day, may shade a landscape, so this recording sometimes threatens to
veil this rock artist. Even so, Barbara
Black valiantly battles with great verve, creativity and a tireless energy to
create an absorbing debut album under her own name.
She
has a wonderful raw voice which can be best heard on the piano ballad Shiva and
Non-Human Person which builds to a choir climax. At the other end of her range she can rock
with the best and on Stardust, Nice to Meet Me (about selfies), and Ghost, she
performs with the assurance and passion of a certain Mr Mercury, holding onto
notes with a similar ease. The versatility of the two guitarists whether
on dobro, acoustic or the fine solos is the other notable feature of this band. A little more Spanish in the guitar and in
the language, could help the band build on this arresting performance that
captures the interest.
The
recording felt a little flat in places (vocals and guitars need more mid-range
boost) – a bit like my Nan’s Yorkshire Puddings (sorry Nan!) – plenty of taste
but needing just a touch more lightness in the mix.
NE
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