After spending the past decade playing in various collaborations and each other’s bands, Heidi Talbot and John McCusker have finally found time to record a mini album as a duo in their own right.
They open with Sprig of Thyme, a charming adaptation of a traditional song set to their own music and married with the unique vocal talents of Adam Holmes who also features in the following track, Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes, Heidi and John’s own tune a fitting backdrop to Ben Johnson’s 17th century yet timeless musings to Celia.
The third, title track is a tune written by John whilst on a beach in Co. Mayo and a quick internet search suggests he may have been inspired by a Swedish proverb, a beautiful quote which is reflected in the gentle, playful nature of the tune and indeed the whole album which is a masterly display of controlled musicianship.
With a sentimental broken token song in William Hall and a delightful rendition of Gillian Welch’s Dear Someone this disc of delights is finished with poignant version of Over the Hills and Far Away, a song made famous as the theme to 90s TV series Sharp and given an edge with Adam Holmes’s vocal harmonies.
Given the status of both musicians it is no surprise that they have been able to call upon a veritable dream team of wonderful musicians to support them in this latest venture, too many to name in this review, but whose collective talents are matched only by Heidi and John themselves.
This is a lovely collection of songs and clearly favourites of the duo as their delivery testifies but whilst balancing their busy work schedule with a young family may mitigate a meagre mini album at this stage, how fans will be clamouring for more as the final song fades. It may be small but it is mighty, however, and if six songs aren’t enough, put it on repeat!
Heidi and John will be on tour at the end of this month more details of which can be found HERE.
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