My introduction to the world of Tina Dico came when
I heard the song 'Quarter To Forever' from her 2008
album 'A Beginning, A Detour, An Open Ending'.
It is a wonderful composition and performance every
bit as good as anything the young Joni Mitchell
gave us way-back-when. She really is that good.
Her new album 'The Road To Gavle' was born out of writing
the soundtrack for Nikolaj Steen's 2009 film 'Oldboys',
a bitter-sweet tale of a man re-defining himself as
something more than forgetable.
Ms Dico knows just what to do to make a melody stick
in our minds and there are many fine examples here.
Her voice is strong, clear and entirely unaffected.
'In Love and War' demonstrates both her ability to bring
a good tune to life and her winning way with harmony.
The gently understated brass arrangement is perfectly conceived.
The shuffling country rhythm of 'Rebel Song' frames a
humourous series of reflections on love and indifference.
'Swedish Skies' is a beautifully melancholic composition
not unlike some of the best that the estimable Joan Wasser
has produced.
'Private Party' is a perfectly pleasant slice of summery pop
enhanced, once again, by a witty brass arrangement and
consumately executed harmonies.
Ms Dico is at her best in the soulful number 'Love All Around'.
She pulls out all the stops to deliver the album's finest
vocal performance by a mile. Short but very, very sweet.
Final track 'River Of What's Been', with its luminous string
section, brings the album to a sad but uplifting conclusion.
'The Road To Gavle' is an understated gem of an album by
a hugely talented artist who just gets better and better.
Recommended.