Humpty Dumpty Rec.
Clare Louise : Castles in the air (B/F,2011)****
Clare Louise has a special voice, no doubt. The label states the comparisons to Karen Dalton, Alela Diane or Jesse Sykes ; it is that kind of sonic quality when you sing with the English “r” resonating with the voice a bit. When she adds overdubs (which she hardly does, but mostly on the first track) to it the qualities increase. In her voice she’s also able to dance a bit within higher tones. Unfortunately I cannot make up the lyrics enough (not having a booklet with the promo cd), but the songs hang in between melancholy (without ever being so), contemplation and social dedication and story telling, a near dancing commitment to the song qualities. The arrangements added to the acoustic picking and voice are just perfect for it, a second, amplified guitar, mandolin, here and there real string arrangements, in a chamber-music setting, cello or double bass and accordion, some drums, handclaps and occasional glockenspiel. This was directed by Marc Huyghens (JOY, ex-Venus) together with violoncellist/backing vocalist Charlotte Danhier, guitarist/mandolin player/backing vocalist Cédric Van Caillie and guests Tuur Florizoone (Tricycle, aNoo, Michel Massot Trio,..) on accordion and also Françoise Vidick (JOY) and Mathieu Catala (Balimurphy).
