Track Listing:
1. For The Day
2. Attic Girl
3. Super Glue
4. Oh Sister
5. Brilliant Blue
6. Cut
7. The Altar
8. Prayer For My Friend The Romantic Insomniac
9. Shuttle Bus
10. 10,000 Miles
Brilliant Blue
Rachel Taylor-Beales
During a major trawl around Australia with a performing Arts Company Rachel Taylor-Beales and her husband Bill decided never to get 'proper' jobs. That bold decision led them through many a venue downunder, then onto the UK and the states.
Currently with their restless spirit sufficiently in check they are based in Cardiff. It's from here that Rachel has established herself as a solo artist. Having initially self-released her debut album 'Brilliant Blue' it quickly caught the eye and ear of Martyn Joseph. Now she has the honour of being the first signing to Martyn's own Pipe Records.
The album opens at it's most ethereal with rainfall and haunting vocals on 'For the Day'. It's a brave introduction and must be a difficult sound to capture. Rachel's supplies her own haunting soprano sax line. Elsewhere in the studio her duties include guitar and keyboards.
Roaming piano, syncopated guitar and even marimbas usher in further tracks. All prove to be a worthy accompaniment for Rachel's soulful voice. The supporting cast, which includes the multi-skilled Bill deserve rich reward for their sterling work.
The title track is a fine example of her own blend of avant-folk topped off with perfect beat poetry. It beautifully describes some captured moments,
'The scene is one sunday afternoon and the sun
shines through brilliant blue.'
The lyrics on all of the tracks continue in the same effortless vein. They transcend the more haphazard musings of others and hint at a rich life history with their wry observations.
Numerous people have swayed Rachel's sound. She can sail pretty close to Tori Amos on 'Cut' and 'Shuttle Bus 38' and 'Oh Sister' would sit nicely on any Gillian Welch album. This isn't wanton plagiarism though. Her tracks can turn on a few pivotal notes and take you elsewhere. Once you've been through Ani Difranco, Kristin Hersch and Joni Mitchell you give up on thoughts of reproduction. This is Rachel's own sound and it is totally convincing.
It would be churlish to critisize but the closer '10,000 Miles' lacks a little melodic punch despite being a funked up fuzz workout. What it does reveal though is that she has ideas to spare.
Martyn Joseph has made an astute decision to sign Rachel Taylor-Beales. 'Brilliant Blue' shows off a rare and majestic contemporary talent. It's time to indulge yourself and be dazzled.
David Kushar