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This self titled CD is the first offering from Northern California's award winning singer-songwriter, Caron Vikre. Originally released on the MacLennan Music Label, it has received international radio airplay in the United States, Europe, Japan and Australia.
Caron's
Dirty Linen Magazine writes: " Caron has a voice which is unforgettably distinctive as well as immensely pleasing...... her CD, (Caron Vikre is one of the best we've heard in a long time"
The "neo-folk" scene has provided us with no shortage of beautiful female voices, but in the case of Caron Vikre we have a voice which is unforgettably distinctive as well as immensely pleasing. Caron's management proposes considering her a hybrid of Kate Bush and Natalie Merchant. I don't disagree, but her vocal phrasing and full-throated voice also bring to mind a number of jazz-oriented vocalists, Joan Armatrading in particular (and even the great French chanteuse Edith Piaf). But no matter to whom she is compared, this debut CD showcases a powerful vocalist and a sensitive songwriter.
The material has a 'doom and gloom' thread running throughout it, though it may not be immediately apparent because the songs themselves present such a variety of arrangements and vocal treatments that the thematic connections are apparent only after several listenings or by consulting the lyric sheet. (In addition, Caron's singing does not always include precise enunciation.) Many of the lyrics seem to derive from a common source so that there is a degree of repetitiveness of imagery and language across several songs, which creates an atmosphere of thematic continuity. On the other hand, Caron and the band bring to the material a variety of arrangements voices and styles that more than compensates for (or masks) the lyrical repetition. From one tune to the next, Caron takes us on a musical tour de force of vocal styles -- folk, rock, blues, soul, and even a taste of jazz. The instrumental backing, including two very effective female harmony vocalists, two guitars. drums and keyboards, in no way intrudes on Caron, for it is her singing which actually drives the songs. On the more uptempo numbers her powerful voice actually seems to be challenging the rhythm section to keep up.
Many of the lyrics, anchored as they are in personal experiences, seem to take on an eerie cathartic role. Most striking in this respect are a series of eight songs ("Ghost of Hope" through the "Silent Hour") dealing with a failed relation ship tormented by drugs and alcohol, culminating in suicide. These are songs in which sorrow, anger, and guilt struggle against love, faith and precious moments of happiness reduced to memories associated precariously with a place or a thing, as if the whole purpose of the song's existence is to prevent them from disappearing forever.
If you enjoyed the latest Kate and Anna McGarrigle album, then this is a
perfect companion piece.Yet I find Caron's recording more and varied and
ultimately more interesting from start to finish. The difficulty of
situating it within a single genre may make it prey to the "impossible to
slot" radio monster.
---Don Negri
These songs were recorded live direct to a two track D.A.T. machine, somewhere between 1989 and 1990.
The following musicians kindly contributed to this project-
BAND 1(tracks 1,4,6,7,8,10,11)
CARoN V1KRE......lead vocals
DAVID HOUSTON......guitars. keyboards
GILDA TAFFET......guitar
LANCE TABER......lead guitar
MATT DILLION......bass
SCOTT WEST......keyboards
STEVE MITCHELL......drums
KATHY ELZEY......vocals
GAIL GEORGE......vocals
BAND 2 (tracks 2,3,5,9,12,13,14)
CARoN VIKRE......lead vocals
DAVID HOUSTON......nylon guitar,keyboard programming
RAY ELZEY......electric guitar
KATHY ELZEY......vocals
GAIL GEORGE......vocals
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CD cat.# < ml0001 > $14.99 To Place an order, note Title and cat. # select ORDER FORM: Or Call Toll Free: (800) 611-4698 |
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Harmony Ridge Music or : e-mail: hrmusic@hrmusic.com |
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