Back to Barbara's roots
DSA | Phoenix, AZ | 09/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In 1974, Barbara was a working folk singer who landed a role in 'John, Paul, George, Ringo ... and Bert," a Willy Russell play in which she performed Beatles' songs. Now she returns to the Fab Four songbook, cutting an album consisting of tunes written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. Stylistically, she also has returned to her origins, performing against an understated folk-style backing that includes guitars, whistles, mandolin and piano, among others.
The result is an enchanting collection that showcases the vocalist at the prime of her powers. Her voice is rich and evocative, and she's absolutely haunting on such tunes as "Eleanor Rigby" (performed a cappella in spots) and the striking "Goodnight." In the liner notes, she talks about choosing "mature" tunes from the group's catalogue, and it's a smart decision, because the album has a consistently smart and mellow feel to it. That's not to say it's downbeat: It gets off to a joyous start with "If I Needed Someone" and both "I Will" and "P.S. I Love You" are charming statements of affection. Dickson has rarely sounded better and her choice of material is superb: Really, what more could you want?"
Barbara Dickson singing Lennon, McCartney et al
Mitchell Geller | Boston, MA USA | 01/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A delightful musical excursion into the music of both mine and the artist's youth. Dickson's voice holds up beautifully and she can "act" a song as well as sing it in a truly heartfelt way. Her dramatic "Eleanor Rigby" is a real gem. She injects new life into these songs, or, to state it better, reinvogorates them with the life that was always there.
mitchell"
Great CD!
David Rossi | REDWOOD CITY, CA USA | 01/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Barbara is in great voice on this CD. It's so nice to hear her do these not so often covered Beatle songs."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1