Call Upon The Author

‘My Voice & 45 Strings’ is the debut single from Brit harpist, singer and sometime laundrette manager Lucinda Belle & her Orchestra made up of, amongst other things, harmonium, double bass, clarinet and guitar. Lucinda is young, pretty, and obviously a bit quirky – but what’s the music like? In a word – great.
This album is a cracker, with a bit of everything: rag-time oompah nonsense, beautiful ballads, story telling, musical virtuoisty and the voice of the album’s title. To sum it up, it’s a little bit different, but it’s a total treat. Opener My Voice & 45 Strings is a polka celebration of Lucinda’s own independence, a little nugget of sing along feel-good gypsy greatness. Next up is Dodo Blues, a bluesy lament about being dumped, but the crazy trumpet and clear yet drawly vocals make it sort of perfect. Valentine is darker, but the vocals are goose-bump raising sexy and there almost needs to be burlesque dancing accompanying the twinkly strings, smoky harmonies and lascivious horns.
Keep On Looking is gorgeous – a note perfect duet (doesn’t mention the guy’s name on the sleeve, but he sounds a bit like a Spanish James Morrison) which sounds like the soundtrack to a tango. It’s sultry, authentic and fab. Rose Marie & Bobby McGee is a exercise in musical storytelling about a crime committing married couple, complete with excellent understated backing and Lucinda in full vocal flight.
And now we get to Northern Lights, where we really see what this girl can do.. .It’s largely her and her harp, and it is utterly magical. Beautiful music box music, accompanied by that full throated angelic voice singing absolutely gorgeous lyrics… and big sigh…it’s lovely.
Unlucky In Love is another one with clever lyrics, teamed with a big-band who are totally relaxed about being a pop group. These Broken Things is sentimental, soft and dreamy and just sits beautifully before the big vocal stretch about walking home in painful heels that is Jimmy Choo’s. The last two tracks (I’ll Get By and Right Here) become more introspective and simple to close the proceedings with effortless vocals and a slightly sad tone.
What else can be said about this album? It is lyrically astute and intelligent – there are very few obvious rhymes or awkward fill-in lines. It is musically excellent, and flows brilliantly as a whole. Lucinda’s voice is superb – strong without being overpowering, soft without being weak, and with a range that can’t fail to impress the pants off you. In short; I loved it, I have played it and played it and keep telling all my friends how great it is. And now I’m telling you: this album is fantastic.