Cover Stories [CD]

In what is only her 5th official release (excluding compilations) in 30 years of making music, Mari Wilson invites you to her own late night supper club where she effortlessly pours out a heartfelt collection of songs which (unusually for her) have all been previously recorded by other artists.

It is a testament to Mari's vocal intelligence and musicality that there is not one dud in this set. Ranging from 60's covers to contemporary Nashville and even a Big Audio Dynamite number, every song on this collection is given an intimate and respectful treatment with both truth and integrity.

While Mari may be known for a certain retro image and style, here she uncovers new meaning and adds layers of pathos to songs as well known as `Be My Baby' and `I Only Want to Be With You`.

Through sublime renditions of `Don't Get Me Wrong' and `They Don't Know', Mari demonstrates the confidence and experience of a singer who has stood her ground against the changing fashions of the music industry to ensure that we, the listener are rewarded with beautiful interpretations of the work of, among others; Ron Sexsmith, Caitlin Rose, Bruce Johnson and The Brothers Gibb, just some of the eclectic choices of writers whose material has been lovingly brought together in one cohesive package.

`Disney Girls' , `First of May' and `Dear Someone' are filled with melancholy while `Own Side' and `Right About Now' showcase the singer at her most relaxed and comfortable.

The voice itself is rich, smoky and as pure and clear as it always has been .Mari's singing caresses the ears like a pair of velvet slippers soothe your feet.

The musicians surrounding Mari also deserve praise as there is a gentle and complimentary pace to these recordings that not once detract from the beautifully crafted performances and add to the intimate nature of these musical stories which will please you like a box of chocolates where the surprise is that there is not one individual treat that you will not enjoy.

Things you need for listening to this album: a good pair of headphones, a comfy armchair and something warm and comforting to drink then listen and let Mari's rich and warm vocals waft over you and ensure that whatever the cares of the day have been they will be caressed and sent into the recesses of your mind while Mari's magic looks after your heart and your soul.

Blimey. It's that there Mari Wilson from the eighties. Sans beehive, but with vocal chords still intact, and a brand new album of cover versions, funded through one of the fan funded schemes out there at Pledge Music. Of course, she's never actually went away after her brush with popstardom, but this latest release will, hopefully, bring her back into the public view.

it's her first full album of covers, and along with orchestrator and pianist Simon Hale, she's come up with an interesting set of songs, and some stripped back, yet lush and lovely arrangements. For sure, there are some songs you might expect from Ms Wilson, such as 'I Only Want To Be With You', from the Dusty Springfield back catalogue. But for every one of those there's a gem from the Brothers Gibb - 'First Of May', and a startling and beautiful Gerry Marsden song in the shape of 'Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying'. Who knew!

Bearing in mind the nature of most of the songs on offer, I would have thought that I would have missed the swell of a strong section, but it's a testament to the work of the people involved that you don't really notice their absence. A couple of the tracks don't benefit from being stripped down and slowed down, but the majority more than do.

If you've been wondering where Mari Wilson has been since them there eighties, then this is a good way to begin knowing her all over again.

It is the sign of a great artist to be able to teat songs as raw material and to create greatness even from mediocre material. Although Mari Wilson has done a lot of cover version, most notably "Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps", this album is a novel concept. She takes well known songs, often upbeat or even trivial numbers and turns them into ballads. In the hands of a minor singer this would a a recipe for disaster akin to Ian McKellen's rendition of "Like a Virgin" or some of the fun songs on "Girl Talk". However, here the result is quite amazing: Mari manages to render "I only wanna be with you" (also sung by Samantha Fox) into a touching song that gives you goose bumps. It is absolutely amazing what she creates with this raw material. The arrangements are minimalistic which is a good thing because it gives room to Mari's amazing voice and the interpretations she gives to the emotions in these songs. Overall this is a beautiful album of a mature singer at the height of her artistic development. The songs are beautiful, very enjoyable and it's a lot of fun to listen to some very good musicians playing around with songs everyone knows and yet creating something new.