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Eva Abraham - Shadow Gazing Reviewed
Shadow Gazing - A reviewAbout time. 'Shadow Gazing' has already been hailed as a contender for the Mercury Prize and it's been revered by publications such as Time Out, Dazed & Confused and Blues & Soul. But it's been languishing in the music industry's twilight zone for too long ever since its 2001 release was hampered due to financial problems. So singer-songwriter Eva Abraham's much anticipated debut album release through Big Chill Recordings is more welcome than a freezing cold beer on a sweltering hot day.
Why? Because it's about time folks out there were able to get an earful of Eva Abraham's clear-souled tender voice. It's about time Big Chillers who witnessed Eva's tear-jerkingly gorgeous Instrumental-accompanied performance at The Big Chill 2004 can relive those precious moments at home. And, if you've ever heard even a smidgeon, a snippet, just a passing semi-tone of Eva's singing, you'll know it's about time Eva got her dues.
Tracks like 'Glowing Yellow', show Eva's stunning husky voice off to perfection by contrasting her vocals with some spidery scrawled string effects. On production duties was Niven Garland (Portishead) and its dusty deliciousness may well have had his input. Like the best of Morcheeba it's laidback without being dull, melancholy and folksy without being staid. Or take 'It Breaks', deep and mystical building into layers of passionate choral harmonies.
'Today And Everyday' is instantly hummable, Eva's voice pulls you in, only for the strings (provided by Instrumental of course, with Zero 7's Crispin Taylor on drums) to pull you in tighter. Refreshingly, unashamedly emotive. While 'Secret Garden' broaches into Bjork-influenced territory, harps creating an undulating landscape on which Eva's voice wanders freely full of expression, while the downward chromatic sliding chords bite at your soul.
Whether you're listening to the intriguing stop-start of Addiction or the gentle melancholy of 'Speak Out', there's not a track on this album which won't have you either humming along almost instantly or hypnotised by its solemn beauty or moved by the powerful lyrics. Believe. It's about time a singer-songwriter of this calibre had the chance to break free. It's about time the world got to know Eva. And it's about time you heard this record. And once you have, you'll wonder how you got by without it.
Susanna Glaser
Buy Shadow Gazing
Eva Abraham Q'n'A
A message from Eva following her Eastnor 2005 set...
Post festival feedback from Eva...
How did you enjoy playing your set?
I had an amazing time, I always do at the Big Chill, it's always blinding
for so many reasons and one being I get to play with a band which has been
rare for me in recent years!
How did you find the crowd, the crew and the atmosphere?
The crew are always lovely, really supportive and helpful, and the audience
too, always a pleasure to play for and with, I feel they are so much a part
of the performance, it's not just about us on stage, it's about how we all
connect! I know that sounds really hippie but it's true! and the atmosphere
was magical! I can still feel and see it now! I think we had a right result!
What did you think of The Big Chill festival?
I think the Big Chill as a whole was and is amazing, it seems to get better
every year and I'm not just saying that! each year you think 'wow that was a
blinder!' and you wonder how it can be topped, and then the next year it's
topped! I love being a part of something so special.
Did you have a good time?
Yes indeed I did!
Which acts did you enjoy watching?
For me, one of the highlights were the new and emerging areas, notably the
Village Green where I saw the amazing' Black Swan Rapper' dancing with their
swords, twisting and turning, somersaulting and toe tapping and looking
mighty fine! The accompanying band Whapweasel were spot on and the caller
Gordon Potts was superb, blinding kilt, I reckon he's had a cider or two in
his time!
I was loving the vibe at the Finlandia stage, Bruce Bickertons family set
was a corker, it took me back! Lol was kicking on Saturday night too
What are you up to now?
My current release is 'Shadow Gazing' released on Big Chill Recordings
I am already looking towards my next album! and my website is www.evaabraham.com
Written: 29th Oct, 04
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