Gentle, soft and beautiful
Peter Reeve | Thousand Oaks, CA USA | 03/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having spent much of my youth in English folk clubs, drinking flat beer and listening to rough-hewn, bearded characters (and that was just the women) singing traditional fol-de-rol and riddle-me-diggler songs, I have an in-built skepticism of American singers who tackle traditional music from the British Isles. Karen Mal has won me over, and I am in love.
She brings a lyricism, vulnerability and a gentle soulfulness which match the lyrics perfectly. One of the songs, Wildwood Flower, is actually American but fits in nicely and serves to remind us how the transplanted British tradition flourished amid the blue grass of the New World. Gabriel Donohue does a remarkable job of producing, mixing and mastering, in addition to providing most of the instrumental accompaniments which, by the way, are splendid.
Note that there are 10 songs on the album. Bangrolly Reel and The Last Rose are brief instrumental pieces.
Dusty Springfield once described the Folk music that she recorded early in her career as music for "people who liked to jump around a lot". This is Folk of a different ilk, romantic ballads for people who like to relax and listen and ponder, and perhaps occasionally dab away a tear.
If you enjoy this album, you will also enjoy the Danish singer Sussie Nielsen (who, shamefully and inexplicably, is not currently listed in Amazon.com).
"
Excellent Americana/Celtic Performances By A Gifted Singer/M
Don Richards | Aurora, Colorado, USA | 11/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"OK, I admit it: I bought Karen Mal's "Mercury's Wings" in part because she looks a lot like an ex-girlfriend and because I'd read that she is a very good performer.
It was a good choice. Karen Mal is a diamond-in-the-rough. Her voice is pure and emotive, accompanying herself on guitar and mandolin and supported by other stellar musicians, and her selection of songs is excellent.
"Dark-Eyed Sailor" finds her interpreting 11 traditional songs in beautiful style. The disc has an Americana/Celtic feel remeniscent of Connie Dover.
This CD deserves every one of the 5 stars I've given it. Buy it ... you will not be disappointed!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1