Search - Claire Holley :: Claire Holley

Hooked

10/14/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tsk, tsk, tsk... re: the reviewer who complained about a lack of "hooks" within this music. A musical hook is the equivalant of ketchup. Fun to use now and then, but you don't want to add it to everything. And when your musical palate matures, you grow past the need for hooks in every song. This is a solid, immensely enjoyable effort by a very talented artist who deserves to be reaping some success at the moment. If only other gifted artists who also don't produce hook-laden music could be so fortunate."

Barking Blues

10/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD features literate songwriting, movingly beautiful vocals, expert instrument playing and a pleasing variety of styles and arrangements. One of Claire Holley's strengths as a lyric writer is her use of concrete imagery to establish mood and create a palpable sense of place. The music reinforces and amplifies the lyrics to provide glimpses into small worlds that are at once both familiar and fresh. This is an excellent album from a talented singer, songwriter and player."

Story songs for the mind and heart

George L. Henschel | Springfield, VA USA | 10/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wasn't looking for Claire Holley's CD; it just kinda found me. And I keep listening to Ms. Holley as she tells her stories with a wonderful combination of strength and softness in her voice. Clever phrasing, thoughtful lyrics, and excellent instrumental accompaniment by Ms. Holley herself and a small group of backup musicians. Great music to listen to in front of the fire or even while working at your desk (where I am right now). Last time I reacted this way to an artist, I was back in graduate school in North Carolina, listening to a relatively unpolished local group, James Taylor and the Flying Machine---James and I both had much more hair then. Of course, the whole music world now knows and loves James Taylor. And while no one can predict a similar level of success for Claire Holley, her music does have that potential. I really enjoy Ms. Holley's music, and I think you will, too."