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Page 8 of 18
Sleepy Hollow Blues Club "Blues News", October 2006
 SOON - Liz Stringer
Reviewer: Red Herring
"What is it about a CD that makes it immediately appealing to the
listener? Obviously the songs, the lyrics and the performances but it's
also about the sonic texture, style, instrumentation and of course
personal taste.
I'm not usually a 'gusher' when it comes to CD reviews but this Debut CD 'Soon' by Liz Stringer has bountiful quality in all these areas.
It also subscribes to the theory 'less is more' using a scrooge like
economy of notes and sounds which is usually only evident in more
established performers. Not a sound is heard that doesn't have a good
reason for being there. So hats off to the producers: Harry Williamson
and Liz Stringer (with help from Adam May).
The sonic texture has depth and character while at times it pinches
and pulls your ears demanding your attention. From the first lonely
single harmonica note on the opening track 'Like a Roll of Thunder'
dances like the pied piper and the brushed snare sets the dogged rhythm
moving forward at all costs. The cello (my favorite emotive
instrument) supplies a dark undercurrent of foreboding and the poetic
lyric makes you feel like you are witnessing Liz Stringers open heart
surgery. At the same time you feel privileged and trusted to be there.
There are five other musicians who contribute to this CD and the
choice of what to play and when to play (or not to play) is what makes
them valuable contributors. Although their energy is strong they are
never outside their abilities and realize their job is to support the
song and the emotion the writer is trying to convey. They do it oh so
well. Adam May plays Snare, stomp, drum kit and a range of percussion
while
Harry Williamson not only plays 12 string guitar, charango and
sings backing vocals but as the liner notes say ... "and any other
percussion instrument we could find at his house", he also engineered,
mixed and mastered the recording.
Sonically textured like a hand made tribal rug.
(Sorry I'm gushing again.). The other musicians are: Nick Carver –
electric and double bass, Tom Stringer – bass and Jordie Lane –
electric guitar.
Liz Stringer's 'Soon' is on high rotation on my CD player and I
recommend it for its immediacy and depth. Sonically it's a great
reference for any producer in this genre, the performances are real and
emotive, and the songs and lyrics are human and personal. It's really
great stuff - check it out.
http://www.lizstringer.com/
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