Search - Norma Waterson :: Bright Shiny Morning

Another one-off masterpiece

Terence Lowe | Coarsegold, CA, USA | 01/31/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Norma Waterson has done it again! From the opening track, the haunting "The Chaps of Cockaigny" with masterful, laid-back accompanyment from husband Martin Carthy and others, to the final track, a jolly sing-along number "My Flower, My Companion & Me", this CD defies to be faulted. This CD is more folky than her previous offerings, all 12 tracks being traditional songs. Her distinctive voice, like no other in folk music, suits the material perfectly, conveying sadness or happiness when required. The backing musicians are sympathetic to the arrangements and are never obtrusive, leaving her voice firmly centre-stage, A must-have for lovers of traditional music."

The Waterson gift

Jerome Clark | Canby, Minnesota | 03/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maybe it's almost redundant to praise Norma Waterson, the mention of whose name alone ought to be enough to assure the prospective listener of the highest quality in performance, production, and song selection. Here Waterson is in her usual top form, interpreting a dozen songs from the British folk tradition, with her usual power and grace. Her abundantly talented daughter Eliza Carthy co-produces (with Ben Ivitsky), surrounding her mother's voice in arrangements that are both dazzlingly creative and affectingly spare. What's not to love? Among the many pleasures to be had here, one can hear the echoes of songs that crossed the ocean and became American folk standards. The lovely title song is what "Streets of Laredo" sounded like before it found its way to West Texas. "Go and Leave Me" evolved into the beloved Carter Family anthem "Foggy Mountain Top." Any Norma Waterson recording is a gift to ear, heart, and soul, and this one is, no surprise, no exception."

She's not called The Godmother of British Folk for nothing!

Sylviastel | 10/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just like her husband, Martin Carthy MBE, Norma Waterson was also awarded an MBE for her services to folk music. Both live in the Yorkshire section of England otherwise known as the heart of England. When you first listen to Norma's voice, you are listening to not only an excellent singer but storyteller. You can feel the music as you listen to her telling the stories for each song. Of course, British folk music may not be for everyone. Her Bright Shiny Morning sparkles and this compact disc has been played so much in my car disc player that it got scratched by all the usage. I love singing along with her. She has an impeccable voice. Her range is shown in this first, her first compact disc of music."