MummyPump Music
Essra Mohawk : Revelations of the Secret Diva (US,1970-1996,pub.2007)**°°'
“Revelation of the Secret Diva” is an overview of her works, in the light of a summer of love anniversary celebrated with this limited edition. It shows in fact very much the consistency in writing and singing throughout and with the changes of time without ever losing the grip on the first fundaments boomed to power by the generations of the late 60’s. From the two earliest albums, some demo versions and outtakes were added. One early demo track was with Frank Zappa participating on vocals with just “pompompom” baritone. It was after two singles since 1964, Essra was invited to join Zappa's Mothers Of Invention in 1967, but shortly after she was able to continue a solo career, however always with little promotion.
Essra’s early singing is melodically and emotionally rich. We hear a diva with inspirations of the free love and open spirit of the sixties, while basically only piano accompanies the songs (first 4 tracks) or sometimes guitar (5), with only sparsely some other, mostly vocal arrangements. On the later tracks we hear a matured voice, aware with slight sadness or contemplating all the changes, but capable of making it still rock if necessary. Track 10, “A warmer place” is stylistically a bit different, with a more country-pop styled arrangement, without disturbing the collection, a song about seeking comfort and a place to fall back on. And also, a slightly pop-rockier track called “Salvation”, with a voice sounding more in the direction of Tina Turner this time (who covered her song “Stronger than the wind” in 1989). “Find A way” is clearly more 80’s pop influenced, with the voice and mindfulness and awareness still present, as well as an inherited funky and electric rock touch. And also “Making Time Stop” is from this period of different 80s production, a song which sound more like a pop hit, in a convincing way. On the most recent songs (late 90s) her voice goes more in the direction of Joni Mitchell in a manner of speaking, are arranged not too different from the earliest recordings.
A nice compilation which is also a convincing tribute to the singer, who is still up to today, too unknown for her talent and contributions over the years.
