Telling Tales

Like so many others, I heard 'Story' one morning at the end of October I believe. I was working at the time and had to stop to hear it, and made a mental note of who mr Wogan said had sung it.. and promptly forgot it. Later though I found it again on the listen again facility, though the song was not tracklisted.. Found the video to Story on youtube and fell in love. ( I also latterly found the video that someone made of her reactions to hearing that same first-play - it's adorable :) )I said then and still say it is easily the best song I have heard in nearly 2 years I guess. Such a refreshing change from all what I consider to be 'the same old stuff' currently being pumped out the radios. I really hope many more songs from telling Tales get wide airplay on lots of stations, because Anna deserves it. These songs are truly wonderful, her voice is so captivating, and I truly wish her all the success for many many years to come. Don't play these songs in a noisy environment, or as a background piece, play them and LISTEN to them, and witness this young lady who has given this admirer proof that even in current musical fields thick with weeds, a truly beautiful flower can emerge and prosper :)
Very recommended!

Now you know I'm not into that acousticy singer-songwritery folky thing. It seems to be a world full of fey, whinging, unemployable students who think that the world is treating them unkindly, whereas actually, the world is treating them exactly how they should be treated. With contempt.

But I do make the odd exception. Strange to relate, but most of these exceptions seem to involve attractive young women with guitars. Perhaps I am as shallow as everyone says I am. Frankly, I don't care. It's one of the great joys of being shallow. Anyway, the latest person to invoke the exemption clause is Leddra Chapman. This is her debut album, and it's a remarkably assured first effort.

Hers is a world full of harpsichords, brass bands and clever arrangements which helps lift what could have been a set of so-so songs into a much better place. And it's not all doom and gloom either, as 'Summer Song' will attest. But panic ye not. There is plenty of grit and greeting going on, so point your ears towards the likes of 'Eddie' and 'Wrap Me Up', if you're looking for some hanky material.

Ex Jethro Tull man, Peter John Vettese, does a bang up job bringing the best out of the songs from his producers chair, and with Ms Chapman having a rather splendid way with words, to add to the rather engaging songs, it all makes for very pleasant listening. I was particularly taken with the rather poppy 'Jocelin' and the magnificently moody 'A Little Easier'. There's a lot to enjoy here, and I'd be more than happy to hear more from Leddra Chapman.

Leddra Chapman comes from Brentwood and there's nothing wrong
with that at all. 'Telling Tales' is her debut album and it is a very strong
first showing indeed. The tales told here manifest themselves as ten
consummately constructed and perfectly delightful songs, sung with
clarity and passion.

Ms Chapman really does have a lovely voice. A warm, flexible soprano with
the capacity to reach into the often whimsical core of her material and
pull out little surprises like a magician delivering rabbits from a top hat!
(If you like Norwegian singer Lene Marlin then it is likely that you will love her too).

We have heard a lot of new female singer/songwriters over the past three
years. Some are, perhaps, destined to stay in the listening world, some
have already disappeared without a trace. Methinks Ms Chapman will
be with us for more than a little while.

There is something distinctly old-fashioned about this recording in
the nicest possible way. The melodies are strong, the lyrics personal
and often affecting without ever being self-indulgent.

Produces Peter Vettesse does absolutely what's necessary (no more and
no less) to bring this music to life. He is a master of economy and restraint.

There really isn't a bad track to be found here.

'Wine Glass' is a particularly beautiful example. When Chapman sings :
"I love the way you always laugh at me
When you love the way I dance so awkwardly",
with just the right amount of fragile vibrato, I wasn't sure whether to
laugh or cry (I am a very awkward dancer too!).
It is a wonderfully convincing performance of a truly splendid song.

As break-up songs go 'Saving You' takes a lot of beating. Some things
are hard to let go of and Ms Chapman's composition elucidates this
age-old dilemma with a canny combination of rage and sympathy.

'Picking Oranges' would appear to detail her romantic experiences
on a working holiday in New Zealand. The soaring chorus is one
of the album's true high points. The voice, clear as a bell, rings out
fearlessly at the heart of the richly detailed arrangement. Stunning.

'Edie' is another jewel of a song. The narrative concerns the
60's stlye icon Ms Sedgwick and her unfulfilled relationship
with Bob Dylan. This is songwriting of the very highest calibre
by any standard known to man or beast.

In 'Fooling Myself' Ms Chapman reaches deep inside and comes up with
a deeply engaging song about loss, regret and unfinished business.
It is a perfectly realised anthem to lost love. The hurt is pointed and palpable.

Final track 'Wrap Me Up' glows with a glorious inner light and brings this
terrific album to a cautiously optimistic emotional conclusion.

It's impossible not to be on Ms Chapman's side throughout this musical journey.
I am looking forward to whatever the next chapter may bring already!

Essential.