Foy Vance: Hope
Thursday, 22 May 2008 08:43
Lovingly prepared and unhurried Hope from Foy Vance
Wurdamouth, out now.
In a nutshell...
Soulful and sweet gospel-infused blues.
What's it all about?
The debut album from talented singer-songwriter Foy Vance, Hope is a collection of heartful and emotive songs that bring together the blues, folk, jazz and gospel.
Producing the album himself, Vance chose to escape the restrictions of the recording studio environment to complete the project in a rented cottage in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland. Ultimately the decision proves worthwhile as, released from such confines, Hope ensures that the intimacy, tenderness and occasional raw power of Vance's voice is captured and not lost in the mix.
Despite seemingly taking inspiration from all manner of sources, Hope doesn't drag the listener breathlessly on a whistlestop tour from each genre to the next. Instead, Vance lets you take in the sights and sounds in such a way as to ensure each new track seems completely in step with the first.
Who's it by?
Born in Bangor, Northern Ireland, Vance toured the churches of the American south with his preacher father as a child and from these experiences comes his strong grasp of storytelling and wonderfully rich voice.
Vance's live performances have earned him a place supporting some high-profile artists, and, after hosting his own Christmas Special on BBC Radio Ulster last year, he is taking to the road in the UK himself.
As an example...
"He said, it's alright; I've got a room here you can share mine/Make the bed in the morning and that'll do fine/You can change in the bathroom, hang your clothes on the line/A tear came to her eye as she thought, how could he be so kind?" - Indiscriminate Act of Kindness
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
Having already had songs featured on US medical drama Grey's Anatomy, Vance may well be set to make a name for himself on a bigger stage. His sophisticated blend of blues, gospel and funk will find a place on many radio stations' playlists and the plaudits of mainstream success are sure to follow.
What the others say
"An unbelievable voice...in the premier league of British songwriters." - Sunday Times
"The missing link between Richie Havens and Stevie Wonder." - Independent
So is it any good?
Hope feels like it has been lovingly prepared, unhurried and crafted with care. Comparisons may come easily, but Vance's is not a voice heard too often and his talent for beautiful melodies ensures he sits somewhat uneasily beneath the current singer-songwriter umbrella. More Van Morrison than James Morrison, Vance's wonderful bluesy voice can soar powerfully (Doesn't Take a Whole Day) before becoming all at once fragile (Gabriel and the Vagabond), occasionally controlled, often untamed.
With the production stripped-back, these are songs untouched by the trappings of contemporary pop; seeming fresh and yet almost from some other time. A piano, guitar and his voice are all he seems to need. While Shed A Little Light showcases Vance's ability to blend the uplifting sounds of the Deep South, with its stomping rythmn and rousing gospel choir, First of July is a made-for-late-night-TV ballad that wouldn't be out of place on a John Legend record.
Emotive and pure, Hope stands out from its contemporaries as an album that takes its time and doesn't rely on fabricated hooks to draw you in. Instead, like each of its 15 tracks, it builds slowly and sweetly, taking you in and showing you the poiniancy and emotion at its core. On Indiscriminate Act of Kindness and Two Shades of Hope no vocal pyrotechnics are required, Vance simply conveys a wonderful sense of hopefulness in a most understated and refreshing way.
More is sure to come from this unique talent.
8/10
Simon Liddle
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